Police investigate Reform donations, the Times reports
BBC News 2026-07-10 07:15:15
Context: The Metropolitan Police are investigating donations made to Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, in relation to potential offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. The probe focuses on at least £500,000-worth of donations from Fiona Cottrell, the mother of a convicted fraudster, George Cottrell, who allegedly supported Farage's social media staff and security. The investigation follows a referral by the Electoral Commission.
Key Facts
- The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation in February 2025 after a referral from the Electoral Commission regarding donations made to Reform UK ahead of the 2024 UK General Election.
- Fiona Cottrell made two payments of £250,000 each to Reform UK, with the first donation appearing in the party's account on May 9, 2024, and the second on May 29, 2024, just over a month before polling day.
- George Cottrell, Fiona's son, pleaded guilty to fraud in the United States and spent eight months in jail before being released in 2017, and allegedly paid for Nigel Farage's social media staff and security before the election, though these benefits were not declared once Farage became an MP.
- The investigation is focused on alleged offences under Section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, specifically relating to the evasion of restrictions on donations and the use of false information about a donation.
- Two people have been interviewed under caution as part of the investigation, with detectives from the Met's Special Enquiry Team seeking early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, and no arrests have been made so far.