Nigel Farage stated on Sunday that Reform UK would have returned a £500,000 donation that has become the subject of a funding controversy, asserting that the party routinely sends back non-compliant contributions.
Police and the Electoral Commission are reportedly examining evidence related to claims that Farage was prepared to accept the donation, despite warnings that the funds originated from the United States. Such a donation would contravene laws prohibiting foreign contributions to political parties.
Undercover footage, broadcast by Channel 4, appeared to show Farage thanking individuals who were posing as donors. During the recorded interaction, it was explained that an American businessman intended to donate the money through his son, who is based in the UK.
"People send us money, we send money back all the time if it's not compliant," Farage told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg program. "And if any money had come through this route, it would have been sent straight back."
Last Friday, Farage dismissed two senior aides, Dan Jukes and James Orr, after they were reportedly recorded discussing methods to circumvent electoral law concerning donations. Farage maintained that neither aide was authorized to handle donation matters.
He suggested he was not fully attentive during the discussion about the donation, which he claimed took place over lunch in Clacton, where he was also focused on securing re-election in a by-election. "I am not a compliance officer. I turn up, I frankly wasn't even listening," he said.
Calls for an investigation come as Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasized that any party seeking power must adhere to British laws. Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith added that a leader cannot distance themselves from such significant matters.
Farage, however, characterized the situation as a deliberate attempt to target his party, stating, "I don't believe we have any guilt at all, none whatsoever."
Separately, a video emerged showing audience members at a Reform UK conference pulling a protester's hair, with one individual striking her with a walking stick. Robert Jenrick, when asked about the incident, responded with "Oh boohoo," and suggested the protester should "get a life."
Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, condemned the actions against the heckler. Party chairman Lee Anderson indicated that a collection would be organized for the audience member who used the walking stick.
West Midlands Police have requested the protester to come forward following the incident.