Reform UK faces funding law breach claims

Nigel Farage and two Reform UK officials are facing allegations of breaching political party funding laws. Press chief Dan Jukes and head of policy James Orr have resigned from the party following the claims, which emerged after an undercover investigation.

The allegations were reported to the police by the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green parties. These reports follow claims made by Channel 4 News, based on footage captured by the investigative group Verbatim. Verbatim reporters posed as an American financier and his UK-based son.

Reform UK faces an accusation that it sought a proposed £500,000 donation from a foreign source, using a UK intermediary. UK law prohibits political parties from accepting funding from foreign companies. Accepting such donations could constitute a criminal offence.

Mr Farage has stated that the party has broken no laws and has not accepted any improper funds. The footage showed Mr Farage meeting with the individuals posing as donors in Clacton, and Reform officials meeting them at London locations including Rules Restaurant and Claridge's.

Parliamentary Investigation Resumes

Separately, a parliamentary investigation into a £5 million gift received by Mr Farage has resumed. This probe by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards concerns an alleged failure to register an interest. It was suspended when Mr Farage resigned as an MP to trigger a by-election in Clacton.