METROPOLITAN POLICE INVESTIGATE DONATIONS TO REFORM UK

The Metropolitan Police is examining donations made to Reform UK by Britain Means Business, a company controlled by the party's deputy leader Richard Tice. The fundraising vehicle made two donations of £250,000 in the weeks before the 2024 general election. Two people have been interviewed under caution as part of the investigation. Mr Tice stated that he learned of the police inquiry from a BBC report and questioned why the Metropolitan Police had briefed the BBC before contacting interested parties.

According to reported accounts, Fiona Cottrell, a significant Reform donor and mother of a convicted fraudster with close links to Nigel Farage, gave £1 million to Britain Means Business in June 2024. Half of that sum was subsequently donated to Reform. All four payments—two direct donations from Ms Cottrell of £250,000 each on 9 May and 29 May, and two donations from Britain Means Business of £250,000 each on 10 June and 12 June—were made in the weeks before the July 2024 general election. Mr Farage and Mr Tice were first elected to Parliament in that election. One report indicated that Reform's bank account was frozen during the election following the donations from Ms Cottrell.

Mr Tice alleged that the National Crime Agency is investigating potential criminal offences against Reform leaders. His statement suggested he views the police inquiry as part of what he characterised as a politically motivated campaign against the party and its leadership. No charges have been brought as a result of the investigation.