Metropolitan Police investigates Reform UK over donation allegations
The Metropolitan Police has launched a criminal investigation into Reform UK following allegations that the party breached donation rules, reports BritPanorama.
The inquiry follows an undercover sting by Channel 4, which appeared to show two senior Reform UK figures discussing arrangements for a US company to fund three polls earlier this year, amounting to £32,500.
In the aftermath, James Orr, head of policy, and Dan Jukes, a senior aide to Nigel Farage, have both stepped back from their roles amidst an internal investigation.
Mr Farage has maintained that his party did not violate any laws and has denied that it accepted funds from foreign donors. He stated he was “not even listening” when he met undercover reporters posing as an American father and son interested in donating to the party.
The Metropolitan Police has been assessing these allegations since the Channel 4 broadcast on September 3. A spokesperson indicated that detectives determined there are potential offences that warrant investigation.
“Following a broadcast by Channel 4 News, the Met received a number of reports relating to donations and polling involving a political party,” a spokesperson said. “The potential offences relate to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.”
Detectives are seeking to obtain relevant footage from the broadcast and are liaising closely with the Electoral Commission and the Crown Prosecution Service as their inquiries progress.
Mr Farage has characterised the allegations as “a little local difficulty” and described the reports as “an exercise in entrapment,” asserting that the party has not taken any illegal money. He also emphasized that the comments made by the individuals in question were inaccurate and that they had not been authorized to represent the party in such discussions.
Amidst the turmoil, competing political parties have reported Reform UK to the police following the Channel 4 investigation. Party Chair Lee Anderson told Sky News there was “no chance” of the officials returning to their posts.
A spokesperson for Reform UK affirmed the party denies any wrongdoing and will fully cooperate with the investigation while refraining from further comments during the active inquiry.
The situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding the funding practices of political parties in the UK and raises critical questions about compliance with electoral laws.
