Urgent: Reform UK Reported to Police Over Alleged Illegal Foreign Campaign Funding
Reform UK is facing a serious investigation after being reported to the Metropolitan Police for allegedly accepting illegal funding from a foreign source. Undercover reporting by Channel 4 and the investigative group Verbatim has exposed that the party commissioned three political polls, costing £32,500, which were paid for by a fake American firm. Under UK electoral law, receiving funding for research or services from foreign entities is strictly prohibited. As this developing story unfolds, stay updated with the latest Breaking developments.
The investigation uncovered hidden-camera footage featuring James Orr, a senior adviser to Nigel Farage, discussing the concealment of these payments. In the recordings, Orr suggests that the party could “easily get away with” the transaction by avoiding formal disclosure. The polls, which were published in major national newspapers earlier this year, were used to boost the party’s profile ahead of the May elections. Nigel Farage himself was filmed meeting with the undercover reporters—who were posing as an American financier and his son—and subsequently praised the “bang for buck” provided by the polling data.
The Liberal Democrats have formally written to the Metropolitan Police, citing a potential breach of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act. The party’s submission warns of a wider complacency regarding foreign interference and urges an immediate inquiry into the structured avoidance of donor reporting requirements. This controversy arrives at a critical juncture for Reform UK, which is currently holding its annual party conference in Birmingham. While Reform UK has denied any wrongdoing, describing the incident as a “hoax” perpetrated by activists, the revelations have sparked urgent calls from political rivals, including Labour Party chairwoman Bridget Phillipson, for a full investigation into the depth of the scandal. Keep an eye on our Alert section for further updates as authorities review the evidence.
Source: Read Original News
