Farage denies Reform UK breached electoral law over overseas donations
The Metropolitan Police is assessing a complaint and evidence after undercover footage raised questions about possible foreign political donations.
Nigel Farage has denied that Reform UK accepted overseas money unlawfully, while acknowledging that the allegations make the party look bad.
The Reform leader was responding to claims arising from undercover footage that appeared to show senior aide Dan Jukes and head of policy James Orr discussing ways to circumvent electoral rules on foreign donations. Both men have been suspended, and the party has begun an internal investigation.
The Metropolitan Police is assessing evidence following a complaint alleging breaches of political funding law. Sources cited by The Guardian said the force could launch a full investigation or extend an existing inquiry, but no breach has been established.
Farage said he was not listening during the meeting at the centre of the controversy and described the officials’ comments as “injudicious at best”. He also denied that foreign money had been funnelled to Reform in breach of electoral law.
Reform spokesperson Robert Jenrick said he had reviewed legal advice from the party’s King’s Counsel, which concluded that Reform had complied with the law. He said the party would investigate what happened, observe due process and learn lessons.
The controversy adds to scrutiny of Reform’s finances, including a reported £5m gift from a cryptocurrency billionaire that Farage has said was intended to fund security. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds criticised the party over its alleged links to foreign cash.
