Farage: Investigation into Reform UK donations sting to conclude soon

Nigel Farage announced that the findings of an investigation into Reform UK aides, related to an undercover operation by Channel 4 concerning illegal donations, will be released shortly. Farage indicated that the internal probe is complete and expects it to exonerate two key aides who had stepped aside during the investigation.

He also suggested that journalists from Channel 4 and the investigative firm Verbatim, who conducted the filming, might face legal challenges. Reform UK was reportedly rocked by the broadcast just before its party conference in Birmingham last month. The report claimed that the party accepted funding from a purported US firm for three commissioned polls, costing £32,500, through undercover reporters posing as a financier and his son. The provenance of these polls was not disclosed, and the costs were not declared as donations in kind.

Senior party officials, including Farage, were also said to have discussed a potential £500,000 donation from the fake businessman, though this donation was never made. Foreign political donations are prohibited in the United Kingdom.

Two individuals, James Orr (head of policy) and Dan Jukes (assistant to Farage), had stepped aside during the party's internal review. Both have denied any wrongdoing, with Jukes describing himself as a victim of entrapment and Orr pledging full cooperation with the investigation. Reform UK has stated it was the target of a hoax and denied any misconduct.

Separately, the Metropolitan Police are conducting their own investigation into allegations that Reform UK may have violated foreign funding laws. This inquiry was initiated in February 2025 following a referral from the Electoral Commission regarding donations made before the 2024 general election. Two individuals have been interviewed under caution as part of that probe. No arrests have been made in relation to the latest allegations, and no one has yet been interviewed regarding the Channel 4 sting specifically. All allegations under investigation pertain to potential breaches of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.