MET POLICE LAUNCH CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO REFORM UK DONATIONS

The Metropolitan Police has launched a criminal investigation into Reform UK over allegations that the party breached electoral law on foreign donations. The probe follows an undercover investigation by Channel 4 News and Verbatim Media broadcast last week, which recorded senior party figures apparently discussing methods to circumvent rules banning foreign donations. The investigation by the Met's Special Enquiry Team is being incorporated into an existing inquiry into separate donations to the party.

The undercover footage recorded Reform UK head of policy James Orr apparently discussing how a foreign donor could fund polling commissioned by the party, whilst senior advisor Dan Jukes appeared to suggest a donation from an American could be channelled through his UK-based son. One potential donation discussed in the footage totalled £500,000. Party leader Nigel Farage was also filmed apparently celebrating foreign donations, though he denied wrongdoing and characterised his aides' comments as "loose pub talk". Both Orr and Jukes have since stepped down from their roles. Orr told Sky News he would cooperate with the party's internal investigation; Jukes stated he had "stepped back from politics in order to clear my name".

Reform UK said the party "denies any wrongdoing and will fully cooperate with the investigation". The Met stated that all allegations relate to potential offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. Detectives are seeking to obtain footage from the broadcast and are liaising closely with the Electoral Commission and the Crown Prosecution Service as enquiries progress.