Reform UK has been reported to the police and the Electoral Commission over allegations that it considered accepting an illegal foreign donation. The claims stem from an undercover investigation by Verbatim, a group of journalists, who allege that senior Reform figures, including leader Nigel Farage, discussed a £500,000 donation from a US businessman channeled through his son residing in the UK.
Foreign political donations are prohibited in the United Kingdom. The donation in question was never made. The Liberal Democrats have formally written to the Metropolitan Police and the Electoral Commission regarding the matter, while the Labour party also intends to report the issue, and the Green party has called for an inquiry.
In their letter to the Metropolitan Police, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesperson Lisa Smart stated that the alleged breach raises 'alarming questions about whether there has been a wider complacency toward foreign interference by the individuals involved.' Channel 4, which broadcast the allegations, quoted lawyer Bob Posner, formerly of the Electoral Commission, who suggested that 'serious criminal offences' may have been committed.
The Verbatim investigation also claimed that senior Reform figures accepted £32,500 in funding for three opinion polls commissioned by the party. These polls were published in newspapers, including two before local elections in May. However, the investigators allege that Reform did not disclose its commissioning of these polls or their funding sources to the public. The payment for this work, totaling £32,500, has reportedly not yet been declared to the Electoral Commission, despite most of the required declaration deadlines having passed.
Nigel Farage and a senior aide, Dan Jukes, were reportedly filmed meeting the US businessman and his son, who were undercover journalists. During these meetings, Farage allegedly discussed the polling, calling it 'amazing' and 'bang for buck.' The conversation then reportedly moved to a potential larger donation, with the undercover businessman indicating the funds would come from his US-based father, with the UK-based son making the payment.
Investigators claim that such an arrangement would be illegal, and that Jukes, Farage's aide, proposed it at an earlier meeting. Farage reportedly responded with 'thank you' and added, 'It's all above board.' The reporting highlights that the US company that made the poll payments and the US-based financier are not permissible donors under UK electoral law. The Electoral Commission defines political party donations as including funding that helps a party meet costs and expenses, such as research. Legitimate donations exceeding £11,180 in a calendar year from permissible donors must be declared.
Reform UK has denied any wrongdoing, describing the undercover reporting as a 'hoax perpetrated by foreign-funded, climate change activists posing as would-be party donors.' The party stated it has a 'robust process for prospective donors approved by the Electoral Commission' and noted Verbatim was founded by individuals associated with the Centre for Climate Reporting. The party claims it has reviewed the footage and findings.
This situation arises in the context of recent substantial donations to Reform UK, including over £5 million from cryptocurrency billionaire Ben Delo, who relocated to the UK to continue funding the party. Previously, the party received more than £9 million from another cryptocurrency billionaire, Christopher Harborne. Separately, a £75,000 donation was reported from a company linked to Todd Boehly, co-owner of Chelsea Football Club. Mr. Farage is also currently under investigation by the parliamentary commissioner for standards regarding a £5 million gift he received shortly before becoming an MP, which he maintains did not require declaration.