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British police have expanded an investigation into Reform UK following allegations involving foreign political contributions. The Reform UK police investigation now includes claims raised by an undercover report broadcast by Channel 4 News. Scotland Yard said detectives identified “potential offences requiring investigation.”
What the Undercover Footage Allegedly Showed
The report involved journalists posing as a British supporter and his wealthy American father. The supposed father was an actor, while the “son” was an undercover reporter working with the investigative group Verbatim.
Footage appeared to show senior Reform UK figures discussing how foreign-backed money could support the party. One conversation reportedly involved a proposed £500,000 contribution routed through the U.K.-based son.
British broadcaster Channel 4 aired the investigation on Sept. 3. The Metropolitan Police later received several reports concerning political donations and polling.
Dan Jukes, a longtime adviser to party leader Nigel Farage, appeared in the footage. Reform UK policy chief James Orr also appeared in a separate recording. Both men have denied wrongdoing.
Reform UK Police Investigation Joins Earlier Inquiry
The Metropolitan Police said the new allegations resemble matters already under review by its special inquiry team. That earlier investigation concerns donations made to Reform UK before Britain’s July 2024 general election.
Police are now seeking relevant footage from the broadcast. Detectives are also working with the Electoral Commission and Crown Prosecution Service as the inquiry continues.
No arrests have been announced in connection with the latest allegations. Police also said nobody had been interviewed under caution over the new claims as of Sept. 9.
The Electoral Commission said it was considering the available information and possible regulatory action. Its review is running alongside the criminal inquiry.
Polling Payments Face Scrutiny
Investigators are also examining more than £30,000 in polling costs. The undercover team allegedly funded surveys commissioned for Reform UK that later appeared in national newspapers.
Authorities will consider whether the polling represented an undeclared contribution benefiting the party. If treated as an in-kind donation from an impermissible source, the arrangement could violate political-finance rules.
Separate footage appeared to show Farage discussing the polling results during a meeting with the undercover participants. Farage has said he was not listening when the proposed donation structure was explained.
The party suspended Jukes and Orr after the broadcast. They also stepped down from their positions while Reform UK began an internal review.
What British Donation Rules Require
Political parties in Great Britain may accept contributions above £500 only from permissible sources. These generally include registered British voters, most U.K.-registered companies and certain eligible organizations.
Parties must also identify the actual source of a contribution. Electoral Commission guidance says attempting to evade donation controls is an offense.
Those rules prevent an eligible person from acting as a hidden channel for an impermissible donor. They also cover certain goods and services provided for a party’s benefit.
However, an investigation does not establish guilt. Police and prosecutors must determine whether an offense occurred and whether evidence supports further action.
Reform UK Denies Wrongdoing
Reform UK said it denies wrongdoing and will cooperate fully with investigators. The party declined further comment while the inquiry remains active.
Farage has said he is “100% confident” the party never accepted illegal foreign donations. He described Jukes’ recorded comments as “loose pub talk” and said no funding rules were broken.
The investigation places renewed attention on transparency in British political financing. Voters can follow updates from police, prosecutors and the Electoral Commission as authorities determine whether the allegations warrant charges or regulatory penalties.