3 hrs ago
Investigation Alleges Reform UK Accepted Banned Foreign Election Funds
A news investigation looked at how Reform UK may have received money from people in another country.
British law says foreign money cannot be used to fund political parties.
Reporters said the party accepted £32,500 for opinion polls and discussed receiving another £500,000.
They alleged that senior Reform figures, including Nigel Farage, knew about the proposed funding.
The polls appeared in British newspapers, but the newspapers were reportedly not told that Reform had arranged and funded them.
A former election official said the allegations could involve serious crimes.
Two Reform figures left their party roles after the report was published.
Labour asked the police to investigate.
Verbatim and Channel 4 News reported that Reform UK accepted up to £32,500 in foreign funds and discussed receiving £500,000 more.
The investigation alleged that Nigel Farage and senior party figures knowingly directed foreign money toward political activities, including opinion polling.
Former Electoral Commission chief executive Bob Posner said serious criminal offences may have been committed and called for a criminal investigation.
James Orr and a close Farage aide identified as Jukes stepped down after the investigation was published, while Labour reported the matter to police.
The revelations follow earlier allegations involving undisclosed funding from Christopher Harborne and George Cottrell.
- Who
- Reform UK, Nigel Farage, James Orr, Jukes, Verbatim, Channel 4 News, and former Electoral Commission chief executive Bob Posner.
- What
- An investigation alleged that Reform UK accepted or sought foreign political funding in breach of British election law.
- Where
- The alleged funds came from the United States and were directed toward political activity in the United Kingdom.
- When
- The allegations were published following the investigation; the article also refers to earlier funding revelations in July.
- Why
- The money was allegedly used to finance opinion polling and support Reform UK’s political operations.
Key facts
- Reported foreign funds
- Up to £32,500 was allegedly accepted for three opinion polls.
- Further funding discussed
- The investigation reported discussions about donations totaling £500,000.
- Relevant law
- Foreign political funding is banned under British law.
- Reporting deadline
- Impermissible donations must be reported to the Electoral Commission within 30 days and returned.
- Declaration threshold
- Donations exceeding £11,180 from an entity in a calendar year must be declared to the Electoral Commission.
- Official assessment
- Bob Posner said serious criminal offences may have been committed and urged a criminal investigation.
- Aftermath
- James Orr and Jukes stepped down, and Labour reported the matter to police.
Quotes
Nigel Farage
Leader of Reform UK and British politician
“it’s all above board”
firstpost.com
Sources
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