Reform UK faces police probe over alleged donation rules breach

Reform UK is facing a police investigation over claims it breached political donation rules. The allegations centre on payments made by an overseas company for three opinion polls commissioned by the party earlier this year. These polls cost £32,500.

Undercover Investigation

The purported foreign donors were revealed to be undercover reporters from the investigative group Verbatim. The reporters posed as an American financier and his UK-based son. Under electoral law, foreign companies are prohibited from providing funding to UK political parties, including for research and studies.

The polls, conducted by JL Partners, were reported in national newspapers. However, journalists were reportedly not informed that they had been funded by foreign donors acting on behalf of Reform UK.

Police Assessment

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated: "We’re aware of media reporting involving political party donations and an alleged breach of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 relating to polling. We will assess this matter and any information provided to us."

These revelations follow ongoing scrutiny of the funding of both Nigel Farage and his party. Mr Farage is also subject to a parliamentary investigation regarding a £5 million gift received shortly before his election to the Commons in 2024.

Party's Response

Reform UK has denied any wrongdoing. The party issued a statement claiming it had "been the target of a hoax perpetuated by foreign-funded, climate change activists posing as would-be party donors". Reform UK added that it has "a robust vetting process for prospective donors approved by the Electoral Commission."

Opposition parties, including Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and the Green Party, have called for a full investigation into the claims. Labour Party chairwoman Bridget Phillipson stated that Nigel Farage "needs to urgently prove today that his top team haven’t broken the law and secretly plotted to undermine our democracy."

Green Party leader Zack Polanski commented that the "very serious claims should be fully investigated by the Electoral Commission and the police." Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman Lisa Smart added that the allegations "must be dealt with swiftly by the authorities."

Next Steps

The allegations could impact Reform UK's conference scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Birmingham. The conference is intended to outline the party's plans for its first 100 days in government if it were to win the next election.