Police probe donations to Britain’s far-right Reform party | Politics News
Police Investigate Donations to Reform UK Amid By-Election
Published on July 10, 2026
British police are investigating at least £500,000 ($670,000) in donations to the far-right Reform UK party, an inquiry that has intensified amid an ongoing campaign-finance controversy. The scrutiny comes as party leader Nigel Farage announced his resignation from Parliament this week.
Authorities confirmed on Friday that they are probing potential violations of laws governing political donations. This may involve the concealment of funding sources or the provision of misleading information to party treasurers.
Two substantial donations of £250,000 ($335,500) each, made prior to the 2024 general election by Fiona Cottrell, are a focal point of the investigation. Cottrell is the mother of George Cottrell, a convicted felon and longtime financial backer of Farage’s political endeavors.
Detectives are examining whether these funds may have originated from prohibited foreign or corporate entities. As part of the investigation, two individuals have been interviewed under caution; however, no arrests have occurred.
This inquiry is part of a wider financial scrutiny of Reform UK. Reports have surfaced indicating that a separate £1 million ($1.3 million) transaction from Cottrell to a company linked to Reform deputy leader Richard Tice raised alarms at banks and was reported to the National Crime Agency (NCA) due to anti-money laundering concerns.
Tice dismissed the allegations, labeling them a “politically motivated smear campaign” and claimed that no party officials had been interviewed by investigators.
Farage, known for his prominent role in the Brexit campaign, announced his intention to resign his parliamentary seat and stand in a by-election, responding to mounting criticism over his financial dealings. The by-election is scheduled for August 13.
By stepping down, Farage has effectively paused a separate parliamentary standards investigation into £5 million ($6.7 million) he received from Thailand-based cryptocurrency entrepreneur Christopher Harborne, a significant stakeholder in the stablecoin Tether, prior to the 2024 election.
Farage has provided varied explanations for the funds, referring to them as a reward for his Brexit campaign efforts, a personal security fund, and an “unconditional gift” for personal expenditures. He contends that he has committed no wrongdoing.
In addressing his campaign for re-election, Farage stated, “I’ve decided that the people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions.” However, major political parties in the UK have denounced his decision as a tactic to evade potential suspension and have announced plans to boycott the vote. Notably, parody candidate Count Binface remains Farage’s only opponent thus far.
