Investigation opens into Richard Tice for failing to declare interest
Richard Tice is under investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog for allegedly failing to declare an interest, reports BritPanorama.
The standards commissioner, Daniel Greenberg, confirmed on its website that an investigation had been initiated into allegations against the Reform UK deputy leader on Tuesday last week.
Mr Tice asserts that this parliamentary investigation relates to a complaint regarding whether he should have referenced his register of interests at the beginning of a debate concerning UK democracy and Israeli influence.
Without directly naming the group involved, he tweeted: “Contrary to garbage in media: Standards Commissioner is considering complaint by anti semitic anti Israel lobby group over whether I should have referenced my register of interests at start of a debate on UK democracy and Israeli influence.” He continued, highlighting that the same group failed to inform the Commissioner about a substantial donation received by Ayoub Khan MP from a pro-Palestine group.
The inquiry follows closely on the heels of the standards watchdog’s recent decision not to investigate a complaint related to an undeclared loan of almost £80,000 from convicted fraudster and Nigel Farage ally George Cottrell. Mr Tice remarked on X that the earlier claim was “so stupid” that the commissioner had “thrown it out in under 24 hours.” This comment was made just the day after the separate probe into his alleged failure to declare an interest was launched.
Labour has responded to the latest allegations by stating that they signify a growing perception that the rules do not apply to Reform UK. A Labour Party spokesperson commented, “The Reform sleaze scandals continue to pile up.” They cited Mr Tice’s tax issues, noting that both Reform’s leader and deputy leader are now under investigation.
The spokesperson further mentioned, “With police probes, Nigel Farage’s secret £5 million gift, and reports of funding from a convicted fraudster – it’s clear Reform think the rules just don’t apply to them.”
The investigation arises amid ongoing scrutiny over Reform UK’s funding practices. Mr Farage has announced his resignation as MP for Clacton to participate in the upcoming by-election, spurred by questions surrounding the £5 million gift from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne and other financial gifts he received.
He is currently facing an investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner to determine whether his failure to declare the money from Mr Harborne upon taking office in 2024 breached Commons rules.
Farage has framed the by-election, scheduled for August 13, as a showdown between the “people versus the establishment.” However, major parties including the Tories, Lib Dems, Greens, and Labour have stated they will not field candidates, labelling the event a “desperate political stunt.”
Additionally, Mr Farage’s recent approval rating has hit its lowest level since the 2024 general election, highlighting potential challenges for Reform UK moving forward.
