Reform UK’s chief of staff Dan Jukes and head of policy James Orr have resigned following an undercover investigation that alleged the party discussed ways to accept foreign donations.
The resignations come as Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, faces scrutiny over the party’s fundraising practices. Farage stated he was not fully engaged during the filmed conversation, calling it a 'bad period' for the party. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are reviewing complaints related to the allegations.
Immediate Developments
Two senior Reform UK officials, Dan Jukes and James Orr, have resigned pending the outcome of an internal party investigation into alleged improper fundraising discussions. The resignations follow the broadcast of an undercover investigation by Channel 4, which appeared to show the aides discussing methods to circumvent U.K. electoral laws on political donations.
Metropolitan Police reviewing complaints
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are assessing complaints lodged by Labour and the Liberal Democrats regarding the Channel 4 footage. The complaints allege potential violations of electoral laws related to foreign donations.
Farage’s response and legal stance
Farage told the BBC he was not fully attentive during the filmed meeting, stating he was campaigning at the time. He added that the suspended aides had no prior fundraising experience and should not have been involved in such discussions. Farage also asserted his knowledge of U.K. electoral and donation laws, saying, 'I know electoral law, I know donation law better than anybody.'
Background and legal context
Under U.K. law, permissible donors to political parties must be U.K.-registered voters or companies. The undercover investigation involved a journalist posing as the son of a wealthy American, who is a permissible donor, while the father is not. The discussion centered on arranging a £500,000 donation, which would have been illegal if routed through foreign sources.
Ongoing investigations and political fallout
Reform UK has launched an internal probe into the allegations, and the party denies any wrongdoing. Separately, a £5 million donation from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne to Reform UK is under investigation by the Commons Standards Committee. Farage has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, claiming opponents are 'scared' of the party’s growing influence.
Family pressure and public response
Farage revealed that his family urged him to resign amid the scandal, though he stated he would continue his political career. He described recent months as a 'difficult' period but expressed confidence that the party had moved past the controversy.
Reform UK’s internal actions
In a statement, Reform UK said the two aides had never been involved in fundraising before and should not have participated in such discussions. The party emphasized that it has not accepted any illegal donations and is cooperating with authorities.
Police and regulatory oversight
The Metropolitan Police’s review of the complaints adds to the scrutiny facing Reform UK. The party’s fundraising practices, including the £5 million donation from Harborne, are under separate parliamentary and legal examination. Farage has maintained that all donations received by the party were lawful and that the allegations are an attempt to undermine Reform UK’s political standing.