Reform UK faces probe over donations

The Electoral Commission is to investigate Reform UK for potential breaches of political donations rules. The request follows revelations that convicted fraudster George Cottrell transferred more than $2m to his mother in the period before she made donations to the party in 2024. Labour's chair, Bridget Phillipson, wrote to the commission on Thursday, asking it to examine the donations and their correct recording.

The commission has already passed the matter to the Metropolitan Police. Officers are examining whether Reform UK may have concealed or disguised donations originating from an impermissible donor. The Guardian has reported that Cottrell's mother, Fiona Cottrell, received multiple payments totalling over $2m, which financial industry sources stated were attributed to her son. Cottrell is known as an associate and adviser to Nigel Farage.

Donations via fundraising vehicle

Sources indicate that funds were then channelled either directly to Reform UK or through Britain Means Business, a fundraising entity for the political party. In her letter to the commission, Ms Phillipson stated that the recent revelations might be relevant to determining if the true source of political donations to Reform UK has been accurately identified and if statutory requirements for permissible donors have been met.

At a press conference on Thursday, Reform UK's economics spokesperson, Robert Jenrick, commented on the ongoing story, stating, "We are entirely confident that Reform followed all electoral rules at the time when the donations were made." He added, "Of course, we’ll participate with any inquiries." Mr Jenrick suggested that questions should be directed to George Cottrell.

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The Metropolitan Police's investigation includes scrutiny of donations made to Reform UK, such as those from Britain Means Business. This fundraising vehicle, whose director is the party's deputy leader Richard Tice, provided Reform UK with two donations of £250,000 before the 2024 general election. These contributions were initially reported by The Guardian.

George Cottrell, who has a fraud conviction in the US, resides in Montenegro but is frequently seen with Nigel Farage. While previously identified as Farage's chief of staff, Reform UK has stated he is a volunteer. Lawyers for Cottrell have indicated their client has no further comment on the transfers.

In prior legal correspondence, Cottrell has not disputed providing his mother with substantial sums of money. His legal representatives stated that any political donations made by his mother were entirely her own decision. Fiona Cottrell has not responded to multiple attempts by The Guardian to contact her. A Reform UK spokesperson previously stated the party adheres strictly to Electoral Commission guidelines on donations.