UK launches criminal investigation into Reform UK donations
In the United Kingdom, the Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into the Reform UK party over suspicions of a possible breach of legislation on foreign funding. Law enforcement said they had received several reports related to donations and enquiries concerning the political party.
Donation review
All allegations being examined by investigators concern possible offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. According to Anadolu Agency, the Metropolitan Police's Special Enquiry Team investigation has been combined with an existing review of other donations to Reform UK.
Police are also seeking to obtain video footage linked to a report by Channel 4 News and Verbatim Investigations. In the report, an undercover journalist recorded two senior Reform UK aides who, as the recording suggests, discussed a possible way to circumvent electoral law in order to receive foreign donations.
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Party response
A Reform UK spokesperson said the party denies any wrongdoing and will fully cooperate with the investigation. He added that the party would not comment on the case while the investigation is ongoing.
Amid the controversy, Nigel Farage's chief of staff, Dan Jukes, and head of policy, James Orr, resigned. Jukes also denied any wrongdoing and said he had stepped away from politics to clear his name.
