Two senior aides to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage resigned on Friday after an undercover investigation alleged the party violated British electoral law by arranging foreign funding for political polling.
James Orr, head of policy, and Dan Jukes, Farage’s chief aide, stepped down pending an internal investigation, Reform UK announced. The resignations follow a Channel 4 News broadcast on Thursday detailing claims that Reform accepted £32,500 ($40,000) from a U.S. company to fund three opinion polls commissioned by the party.
The investigation, conducted by the investigative group Verbatim, involved undercover reporters posing as wealthy American donors with British connections. The reporters spent a year engaging with Reform officials, culminating in a meeting with Farage. The footage, broadcast during Reform’s annual conference, showed discussions about channeling a £500,000 donation from a U.S. financier through a UK-based intermediary.
Reform UK’s response
Reform UK denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations a hoax perpetrated by climate activists. A party spokesperson stated: “Reform UK has been the target of a hoax perpetuated by foreign-funded, climate change activists posing as would-be party donors. The party denies any wrongdoing.”
The party also noted it has a robust vetting process for donors, approved by the Electoral Commission. Farage, speaking to LBC radio, reiterated that the party had broken no laws and had not accepted any improper funding.
Political and legal fallout
The allegations have prompted multiple political parties to call for investigations. The Labour Party wrote to police requesting a probe into potential criminal offenses, including the alleged proposal to funnel foreign donations through a UK intermediary. The Liberal Democrats and Green Party have also signaled their intent to report Reform UK to authorities.
The Electoral Commission and Metropolitan Police have acknowledged the reports. A Met Police spokesperson confirmed they were aware of the media coverage and would assess the information in line with their procedures.
Legal and procedural context
British electoral law prohibits foreign donations to political parties, including payments for research or polling. Violations of these rules can constitute criminal offenses under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
The undercover footage included discussions where Reform officials appeared to acknowledge the lack of British donors willing to fund their polling. Orr, in one exchange, stated: “We just don’t have British-resident donors, British entities, that would support us.”
Reform UK’s internal actions
In addition to the resignations, Reform UK launched an internal investigation into the allegations. The party emphasized that the probe would proceed independently and without prejudice. Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson stated there was no chance of the two officials returning to the party, while deputy leader Richard Tice declined to rule out a potential comeback pending the investigation’s findings.
The scandal has overshadowed Reform UK’s annual conference, where Farage had hoped to revive the party’s flagging poll numbers. The party, which has seen its support decline amid ongoing scrutiny of its funding practices, faces further reputational damage as the investigation unfolds.