Reform UK faces criminal probe over donation rule allegations

The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into Reform UK over claims the party violated rules on foreign funding. Detectives initiated the inquiry after receiving multiple reports prompted by a Channel 4 News broadcast last week. The party has denied any wrongdoing and stated it will cooperate fully with the probe, according to a spokesman.

Allegations of Disguised Donations

The police action follows an undercover report by Channel 4 News. The broadcast featured senior party figures discussing methods to conceal donations originating from foreign sources. This report emerged during Reform UK's annual conference. Party leader Nigel Farage's aide, Dan Jukes, and head of policy, James Orr, have been suspended pending an internal review of these allegations. Mr Jukes denies any wrongdoing.

The Channel 4 investigation involved undercover reporters posing as potential donors seeking to channel money to the party. The allegations under police scrutiny concern potential violations of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. Electoral law requires that permissible donations to UK political parties must come from UK-registered voters or UK-registered companies.

Ongoing Police Inquiry

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated that detectives have assessed the provided information and identified potential offences requiring investigation. These potential offences are similar in nature to matters already being investigated by the Met's Special Enquiry Team concerning donations to Reform UK. Consequently, these new allegations will be incorporated into that existing investigation.

The Met's Special Enquiry Team began its investigation in February 2025, following a referral from the Electoral Commission regarding donations made to Reform UK before the 2024 general election. During that inquiry, two individuals were interviewed under caution. No arrests have been made in connection with the latest allegations, and no one has yet been interviewed regarding them. Detectives are also in the process of obtaining relevant footage from the Channel 4 News broadcast.

Party and Political Reactions

A Reform UK spokesman reiterated the party's denial of any wrongdoing and commitment to full cooperation with the investigation, declining further comment while the inquiry is active. Nigel Farage, who was filmed meeting the undercover reporters, stated he was not paying attention during the meeting. He suggested that if funds were channelled through a London-based global family office, the money could have originated from various international sources. Mr Farage commented that Mr Jukes and Mr Orr should have conducted basic checks before introducing potential donors to him.

The Liberal Democrats have criticised the situation, with their Cabinet Office spokeswoman, Lisa Smart, welcoming the police inquiry. She called for any Reform UK MPs who may have benefited from foreign money to state their position.