Met Police investigate Reform UK over alleged foreign funding breaches

London, United Kingdom. The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into Reform UK over allegations that the party breached foreign funding laws following an undercover investigation by Channel 4 News.

The force’s Special Enquiry Team is incorporating the case into an existing investigation into other donations made to the party.

Allegations and investigation

The investigation follows footage that appeared to show two senior Reform aides discussing ways to circumvent electoral law to secure donations from foreign sources, including a proposed £500,000 contribution.

The Metropolitan Police said it had received “a number of reports relating to donations and polling involving a political party” following the Channel 4 News and Verbatim Investigations broadcast.

“All allegations under investigation relate to potential offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000,” the force said.

Detectives are seeking footage from the broadcast and are liaising with the Electoral Commission and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Party response

A Reform UK spokesman said the party “denies any wrongdoing and will fully cooperate with the investigation”.

Under UK electoral law, permissible donors to political parties include UK registered voters and companies registered in the UK.

Undercover footage

In the footage, Dan Jukes, then chief of staff to Reform leader Nigel Farage, appeared to suggest that a donation from an American could be made in the name of the donor’s UK-based son.

James Orr, Reform’s former head of policy, was also recorded suggesting that the donor could instead pay for opinion polling to support one of the party’s campaigns.