Reform UK donation police investigation
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Jul 09, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026
The investigation may damage United Kingdom — Reform UK's reputation and fundraising ability, potentially affecting its electoral prospects. However, as a relatively new party, direct market impact is limited.
The United Kingdom — Metropolitan Police are investigating £500,000 in donations made to United Kingdom — Reform UK by Fiona Cottrell, mother of convicted fraudster George Cottrell, a close aide to Nigel Farage. The probe, launched in February 2025 after a referral by the Electoral Commission, examines potential offences under Section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, which prohibits concealing the true source of donations. Two people have been interviewed under caution but no arrests have been made. Separately, the United Kingdom — National Crime Agency investigated a £1 million deposit by Fiona Cottrell to Britain Means Business, a company run by Reform deputy leader Richard Tice, but could not trace the origin of the funds. The scandal adds to pressure on Farage, who also faces a standards investigation over an undeclared £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and allegations of undeclared benefits from George Cottrell. Farage stood down as MP for Clacton to trigger a by-election, claiming a politically motivated smear campaign.
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