Reform UK has been reported to the police regarding allegations of preparing to accept an illegal donation. Senior figures within the party, including leader Nigel Farage, are reported to have discussed a potential £500,000 donation from a US businessman through his son, who resides in the UK. Both individuals were undercover members of Verbatim, a group of investigative journalists. Foreign political donations are prohibited in the UK, and the alleged donation was never made. The Liberal Democrats have contacted the Metropolitan Police and the Electoral Commission about the matter, while Labour also plans to report it, and the Greens have called for an investigation.
In a letter to the Metropolitan Police, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesman Lisa Smart expressed concerns about potential foreign interference. Channel 4, which reported the allegations, quoted lawyer Bob Posner, former head of the Electoral Commission, stating that 'serious criminal offences' may have occurred. Verbatim also claimed that senior figures in Reform accepted £32,500 in funding for three opinion polls commissioned by the party, which were not disclosed to the public.
Farage and his aide Dan Jukes were recorded meeting the undercover businessman and his son, discussing donations. The investigators allege that Reform did not inform the public about the commissioned polls or their funding sources. Reform has denied any wrongdoing, claiming to be the target of a hoax.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police acknowledged awareness of media reports concerning political party donations and potential breaches of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. The investigation revealed that the polling, which cost £32,500 in total, had not been declared to the Electoral Commission, despite deadlines having passed.
During the meeting, Farage reportedly praised the polling as 'amazing' and discussed a larger donation, with the undercover businessman indicating that the payment would be made by his UK-based son, despite the funds originating from the US. The investigators claimed that such an arrangement would be illegal. Farage allegedly responded positively, stating 'it's all above board' regarding the potential donation.
The Electoral Commission stipulates that political party donations must be declared if they exceed £11,180 in a calendar year. Reform UK has also been noted to have received over £5 million in donations from a cryptocurrency billionaire, Ben Delo, who moved to the UK to continue funding the party. Previous donations from Christopher Harborne, another cryptocurrency billionaire, are under investigation for potential non-declaration. Additionally, a £75,000 donation from a company linked to Chelsea football club co-owner Todd Boehly was also noted.