The Metropolitan Police are investigating allegations that Reform UK bypassed electoral laws regarding foreign donations following an undercover media report.
Key facts
- •The Metropolitan Police are investigating potential electoral law offenses involving Reform UK funding and polling.
- •The inquiry follows a Channel 4 News undercover report involving two of Nigel Farage’s advisers, Dan Jukes and James Orr.
- •The undercover report alleged that over £30,000 in polling was funded by an impermissible foreign source and not declared.
- •Reform UK has officially denied any wrongdoing and pledged to cooperate with the police investigation.
- •The new allegations have been merged into an existing investigation already being handled by the Met’s special enquiry team.
The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into Reform UK following allegations that the party attempted to circumvent laws prohibiting foreign political donations. The inquiry follows a Channel 4 News undercover report featuring journalists posing as foreign donors. Detectives are now reviewing evidence related to party funding and polling activities, incorporating these claims into an existing investigation already being conducted by the force’s special enquiry team.
Undercover Investigation Details
The investigation was prompted by footage showing two of Nigel Farage’s advisers, Dan Jukes and James Orr, discussing methods to bypass electoral law with individuals posing as a foreign donor. The undercover reporters, posing as a potential supporter and his US-based father, allegedly funded over £30,000 worth of polling for the party. This polling was not publicly declared to the Electoral Commission, and if classified as a donation in kind from a foreign source, it would be considered impermissible under UK electoral law.
Party Response and Ongoing Inquiries
Reform UK has denied any wrongdoing and stated it will fully cooperate with the Metropolitan Police. Both Jukes and Orr have also denied the allegations. The party has declined to provide further comment while the investigation remains active. Detectives are currently working to secure footage from the broadcast and are coordinating with the Electoral Commission and the Crown Prosecution Service as the inquiry proceeds.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian Politics (UK), Guardian Politics (UK).
