Reform UK has been reported to the police and the Electoral Commission following allegations that senior party figures discussed accepting an illegal £500,000 donation from a US businessman. The donation was allegedly to be channeled through the businessman's son, who resides in the UK.
Undercover journalists from Verbatim, a group that investigates environmental and political issues, posed as the American businessman and his son. They reportedly filmed meetings with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and his senior aide Dan Jukes, during which the potential donation and funding for opinion polls were discussed. Foreign political donations are prohibited in the UK.
Senior figures within Reform UK are said to have discussed the £500,000 donation in meetings that were filmed. During one such meeting, Nigel Farage allegedly stated that the arrangement would be “all above board.” The investigators claim that the UK-based son proposed the arrangement, with the US-based father providing the funds, a structure they allege would be illegal.
Verbatim also alleges that Reform UK accepted £32,500 for three opinion polls commissioned by the party. These polls reportedly appeared in newspapers, including two before the May local elections. However, the investigators claim the party did not disclose that it had commissioned the polls or reveal their funding sources. The payment for these polls has not yet been declared to the Electoral Commission, despite deadlines having passed for most of the funds, according to the report.
The Liberal Democrats have formally written to the Metropolitan Police and the Electoral Commission regarding the allegations. Labour also intends to report the matter to the police, and the Green Party has called for an inquiry. Lisa Smart, the Lib Dem Cabinet Office spokesman, stated in her letter that the alleged breach raises concerns about complacency towards foreign interference.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed they are aware of the media reports and will assess the information provided regarding potential breaches of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. Channel 4, which aired the allegations, quoted lawyer Bob Posner, a former Electoral Commission boss, who suggested that serious criminal offenses may have been committed.
Reform UK has denied any wrongdoing, characterizing the undercover reporting as a "hoax perpetrated by foreign-funded, climate change activists." The party stated it has a "robust process for prospective donors approved by the Electoral Commission" and noted that Verbatim was founded by individuals associated with the Centre for Climate Reporting. The party maintains that it has reviewed the footage and findings and that the claims are baseless.
This situation emerges after it was reported that Reform UK had received over £5 million in donations from cryptocurrency billionaire Ben Delo, who relocated to the UK to continue funding the party. The party also received £75,000 from a company linked to Todd Boehly, co-owner of Chelsea Football Club.