Nigel Farage Claims Reform Would Return £500,000 Donation Amid Controversy

Nigel Farage stated on Sunday that Reform UK would have returned a £500,000 donation linked to a funding controversy. This follows renewed calls for police to investigate claims that Farage was prepared to accept the donation despite warnings that it originated from the United States, potentially violating a ban on foreign donations. Undercover footage aired by Channel 4 last week depicted the Reform UK leader thanking two individuals posing as donors, who explained that a man impersonating an American businessman would contribute the funds through his UK-based son. Farage told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, 'People send us money, we send money back all the time if it's not compliant. And if any money had come through this route, it would have been sent straight back.' On Friday, Farage dismissed top aide Dan Jukes and policy chief James Orr after they were recorded discussing methods to circumvent electoral law. He maintained that the two were not authorized to handle donations. Farage claimed he was not attentive during a lunch meeting where the plan was discussed, stating, 'I am not a compliance officer. I turn up, I frankly wasn't even listening.' The police and the Electoral Commission are currently reviewing potential evidence from reports by the US group Verbatim Investigations. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds remarked on Times Radio that any political party aiming for power must adhere to British laws and rules. Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith added that a leader cannot absolve themselves of responsibility in such critical matters. In contrast, Farage asserted, 'This has been a deliberate attempt to do this to us. I don't believe we have any guilt at all, none whatsoever.' Additionally, Robert Jenrick responded to footage of a protester being forcibly removed at Reform's conference in Birmingham, stating, 'boohoo,' in reference to the protester's reaction. A video showed audience members pulling the protester's hair, and a man striking her with a walking stick. When asked about the incident on Sky News's Sunday Morning programme, Jenrick said, 'Oh boohoo. We're now in a country where somebody who is – whatever she is – a far-Left protester, goes into a party conference, tries to wreck the leader's speech, and cries foul if a pensioner knocks her over the head with their Zimmer frame, I mean, come on, get a life.' West Midlands Police have requested the protester to come forward regarding the incident. Reform UK's home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf condemned the actions of those who pulled the protester's hair. Chairman Lee Anderson mentioned that the party would organize a collection for the audience member seen hitting the protester with a walking stick.