UK police open criminal investigation into Reform UK over foreign donation allegations

Metropolitan Police widen investigation

The Metropolitan Police confirmed a criminal investigation into allegations that officials from Reform UK discussed breaching British campaign financing laws to accept foreign donations. Scotland Yard's Special Enquiry Team reviewed complaints and dossier material submitted after a television report broadcast on 3 September 2026. Detectives determined that potential criminal breaches warranted a formal probe, merging the claims into an active case examining funding received by the same political party. All matters under scrutiny fall under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, which regulates financial contributions and bans donations from impermissible overseas entities. Detectives are seeking the original, unedited broadcast footage and are working in coordination with the Electoral Commission and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Detectives have assessed the information provided and determined that there are potential offences requiring investigation.

Undercover sting triggers staff resignations

The formal police steps follow an undercover investigation broadcast by Channel 4 News, produced in collaboration with the investigative group Verbatim. Posing as foreign donors, undercover reporters approached party officials to propose funding private opinion polling for the organization. Covert video recordings captured senior figures discussing mechanisms to circumvent electoral law and disguise the overseas origin of the funds. The release of the footage caused turmoil inside the party structure, prompting the resignation of two close aides to party leader Nigel Farage on 4 September 2026. Chief of staff and longtime aide Dan Jukes, along with policy director James Orr, both stepped down from their positions immediately after the broadcast. The scandal unfolded while the party was staging its conference in Birmingham, prompting formal complaints to law enforcement from both the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats over the following weekend.

Expansion of existing 2024 election inquiry

The police action incorporates the new material into a broader investigation originally opened by the Special Enquiry Team in February 2025. That initial inquiry followed a referral from the Electoral Commission concerning financial contributions received by Reform UK ahead of the 2024 UK general election. Detectives had previously interviewed two individuals under caution in connection with the February 2025 case. Scotland Yard confirmed that no arrests have occurred and no individuals have been questioned under caution regarding the new allegations aired by Channel 4. While the Metropolitan Police refrained from naming Reform UK explicitly in its public communication, detectives confirmed that the new allegations involve the identical party already being investigated for similar offences.

Party response and Farage defence

Reform UK leadership denied all accusations of impropriety and stated that the organization will cooperate with detectives throughout the inquiry. Farage defended the party and stated that his aides committed no unlawful acts, emphasizing that no financial transactions occurred with the undercover reporters. Party officials also characterized the sting operation as a hoax conducted by climate activists designed to disrupt their political activities. The controversy follows previous public scrutiny regarding a five million pound gift to Farage, which coincided with a softening of the party's lead in opinion polls. A party spokesperson stated that no further public commentary would be provided while the police inquiry continues.

Reform UK denies any wrongdoing and will fully co-operate with the investigation.