The Metropolitan Police have opened an investigation into donations totaling £500,000 made to the Reform UK party by a firm controlled by its deputy leader, Richard Tice. The probe is examining alleged offenses under Section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, which pertains to evading restrictions on the source of donations.
Britain Means Business, a company and fundraising vehicle directed by Tice, made two donations of £250,000 to Reform UK in the lead-up to the 2024 general election. The funds originated from Fiona Cottrell, who reportedly gave £1 million to Britain Means Business in June 2024. Cottrell is the mother of George Cottrell, also known as 'Posh George,' a cryptocurrency entrepreneur based in Montenegro who previously provided staffing, security, and accommodation for Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
The Electoral Commission referred the matter to the Metropolitan Police in February 2025, after which the investigation was launched. Detectives from the Met's Special Enquiry Team have interviewed two individuals under caution as part of the inquiry, though no arrests have been made. Early investigative advice has been sought from the Crown Prosecution Service.
Richard Tice stated he was unaware of the probe, questioning why the police would brief the BBC before contacting the parties involved. He suggested the investigation could be a "politically motivated smear campaign" against Reform UK and its leaders. A spokesperson for Reform UK asserted that the party adheres strictly to Electoral Commission guidelines on donations.
Reform UK's bank account was reportedly frozen during the last election cycle following these donations. The party has faced scrutiny over its funding in recent weeks. Separately, Nigel Farage announced he would resign as MP for Clacton to contest a by-election after questions arose about a £5 million gift he received from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne.
A Labour Party spokesperson commented on the allegations, stating that "allegations of sleaze and donation scandals just continue to pile up for Reform." The spokesperson criticized Tice's characterization of the probe as a smear campaign and highlighted concerns about the party's finances, referencing past issues including alleged hidden donations and tax avoidance.
Fiona Cottrell, described as a former model and the daughter of the late 3rd Baron Manton, is said to have no prior history as a political donor. Tice has previously stated his familiarity with the Cottrell family, referring to them as a "very successful aristocratic family."