Farage: Investigation into Reform UK donations sting to conclude soon

Nigel Farage has stated that the outcome of an investigation into Reform UK aides, stemming from an undercover sting operation by Channel 4, will be announced "very soon." Farage, the leader of Reform UK, indicated that the internal probe is complete and suggested that the party's two key aides, who had stepped aside during the investigation, are likely to be cleared.

He also warned that journalists involved in the Channel 4 investigation and the associated outfit Verbatim could face "one or two legal challenges." The incident occurred just before Reform UK's party conference in Birmingham when Channel 4 broadcast footage allegedly showing Farage and his aides discussing the acceptance of money from a fictitious American businessman.

Two central figures within Reform, James Orr, head of policy, and Dan Jukes, an assistant to Farage, had temporarily relinquished their roles while the party conducted its internal review. These developments coincide with a separate ongoing investigation by the Metropolitan Police concerning allegations that Reform UK may have violated foreign funding laws. The party has consistently denied any wrongdoing and pledged full cooperation with the authorities.

Farage expressed confidence in the internal report's findings, stating, "It's been done, and it'll be out in public very, very soon." He implied that some journalists might face legal repercussions.

The Channel 4 News report claimed that Reform UK had accepted funding from a U.S. firm for three commissioned polls earlier in the year, totaling £32,500. The purported donors were revealed to be undercover reporters from Verbatim, posing as an American financier and his son.

The origin of these polls was not disclosed when they were published in national newspapers, and Reform UK did not declare these costs as donations in kind. Senior party officials, including Farage, were also reportedly involved in discussions about a £500,000 donation from the fake businessman, though this donation was never finalized. In the United Kingdom, foreign political donations are prohibited.

Both Jukes and Orr have denied any wrongdoing. Jukes described himself as a victim of "entrapment," while Orr stated he would cooperate fully with the internal investigation. Reform UK has maintained that it was the "target of a hoax" and has denied any illegal activity.

The Metropolitan Police's Special Enquiry Team initiated its investigation in February 2025, following a referral from the Electoral Commission. This probe focuses on donations made to Reform UK prior to the 2024 general election, during which two individuals were interviewed under caution. No arrests have been made, and no one has been interviewed regarding the more recent allegations related to the Channel 4 sting. All matters under investigation pertain to potential breaches of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.