Key facts
- Police are reviewing evidence regarding donations to Robert Jenrick's 2024 Conservative leadership campaign.
- The Electoral Commission referred allegations that nearly £40,000 in donations may have come from a foreign source.
- The donations in question were made by a UK-based company, The Spott Fitness.
- It is alleged that US businessman Gary Klopfenstein, via his US company Innovyz USA, was the ultimate source of some donations.
- Jenrick stated he had no knowledge of Klopfenstein's alleged involvement and that his campaign complied with electoral laws.
- Jenrick joined Reform UK in January 2026 and serves as its Treasury spokesperson.
Police are examining evidence concerning donations made to Robert Jenrick's campaign for Conservative leader in 2024, following a referral from the Electoral Commission. The watchdog is investigating allegations that nearly £40,000 of donations to Jenrick's campaign, prior to his defection to Reform UK, may have originated from a foreign source, which would be a breach of electoral rules.
The Metropolitan police confirmed they received the referral on January 6, 2026, and are currently reviewing the information. The Electoral Commission stated its investigation is paused pending the police assessment, as evidence of potential offenses outside its remit was passed on.
Sources indicate the investigation centered on claims that £37,500 of the £100,000 donated by a UK-based company, The Spott Fitness, was ultimately provided by US businessman Gary Klopfenstein through his company, Innovyz USA. Such donations from foreign companies or individuals are prohibited under UK electoral law.
A spokesperson for Robert Jenrick asserted that he and his campaign team adhered to all electoral laws and had no knowledge of Klopfenstein's alleged involvement or connection to the donation until contacted by the Electoral Commission. The spokesperson described the allegations as a "politically motivated smear" by the Conservatives.
Phillip Ullmann, a UK businessman previously identified as a potential source of the donations via The Spott Fitness, stated he was transparent with Jenrick's campaign and voluntarily shared information with the Electoral Commission.
The scrutiny of Jenrick's campaign financing comes as Reform UK heads into local elections. Jenrick, who joined Reform UK in January 2026 and is now the party's Treasury spokesperson, was a Conservative MP at the time of the alleged donations. The Conservative party has referred Jenrick to the parliamentary commissioner for standards.