The Metropolitan Police has expanded a criminal inquiry into Reform UK following an undercover investigation that alleged party officials discussed illegal foreign donations and commissioned polling using foreign funds.
On September 4, 2024, the Met announced it would include new allegations in an existing investigation into the party’s campaign finance practices. The decision follows a Channel 4 News broadcast on September 3, which aired footage from an undercover investigation by the investigative group Verbatim. The report claimed senior Reform UK figures discussed disguising donations from foreign sources and arranging for a U.S.-based donor to fund political polling.
Key developments
The Met stated in a release that detectives had assessed reports related to donations and polling involving a political party and determined there were potential offences requiring investigation. The force added that these matters would be incorporated into an ongoing inquiry by its Special Enquiry Team, which is already examining donations to the same party.
Reform UK has denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations part of a hoax. A party spokesman said it would fully cooperate with the investigation and declined further comment while the probe is active.
Undercover investigation details
The Channel 4 report featured conversations between undercover reporters posing as wealthy U.S. donors and two senior Reform UK officials: James Orr, the party’s former head of policy, and Dan Jukes, a former aide to leader Nigel Farage. The footage included discussions about a £500,000 pledge from a U.S. businessman routed through his son, who resides in the UK. The donation was never finalized.
The investigation also alleged that Reform UK arranged for a foreign donor to pay for three opinion polls commissioned by the party. These polls were later cited in national media coverage, which framed Reform UK as an electoral threat ahead of local elections in May. The party has not commented on the polling claims.
Official responses
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police confirmed it was seeking additional footage from the undercover operation, noting that Verbatim possesses hours of video not included in the Channel 4 broadcast. The force did not specify which potential offences were under scrutiny but indicated the allegations were similar to matters already under investigation.
Reform UK reiterated its denial of wrongdoing, stating: “We deny any wrongdoing and will fully cooperate with the investigation. We won’t be commenting further while a live investigation is under way.”
Background and context
Foreign political donations are prohibited under UK electoral law, and the Met’s decision to expand the inquiry reflects heightened scrutiny of campaign finance practices. The investigation comes amid broader concerns about transparency in political funding and follows previous allegations involving Reform UK’s financial dealings.
The Met’s announcement did not provide a timeline for the investigation or specify whether any individuals would face formal charges. The force stated it was continuing to assess the evidence provided in the reports.