Reform UK conference enters final day under financial scrutiny
Allegations over potential foreign donations, aide suspensions and protests have overshadowed Reform UK’s conference in Birmingham.
Reform UK’s conference continues in Birmingham with Robert Jenrick and Nigel Farage scheduled to address the final day, as the party faces scrutiny over its financial governance and internal handling of an undercover investigation.
James Orr, the party’s head of policy, and Dan Jukes, a senior aide to Farage, have reportedly been permanently suspended. Jenrick said an investigation would establish the facts and give both men a right of reply. Neither has commented on the allegations in the supplied reporting.
The controversy follows reports of discussions about potential foreign donations, including an alleged undeclared £5m gift. The Guardian Politics reported that the claims remain central to scrutiny of Reform UK’s finances.
Farage’s keynote speech was interrupted several times by protesters. The New Arab, which published footage of an incident at the conference, reported that hecklers raised the issue of the alleged gift and that protesters were assaulted by Reform supporters. The circumstances and identities of those involved have not been independently established in the supplied material.
Reform’s home affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, said he was not personally involved in the investigation and distanced himself from Orr and Jukes. He was later seen at the conference taking photographs with supporters, while speculation about a possible leadership challenge remains unconfirmed.
The final day is due to include speeches from Jenrick, Farage, Yusuf and Lee Anderson as the party seeks to move beyond the allegations and restore focus to its political programme.
