Metropolitan Police open criminal probe into Reform UK over alleged foreign funding of polls
The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into Reform UK after a Channel 4 undercover report suggested the party used foreign donors to finance political polling, which is prohibited by electoral law.
The Metropolitan Police said they are investigating potential offences after a Channel 4 News broadcast alleged that Reform UK arranged foreign funding for three political polls. The undercover operation involved a reporter posing as the son of a wealthy American who offered to channel money to the party, a practice barred under UK electoral rules.
According to the police, detectives reviewed the information provided and identified possible violations that merit a criminal inquiry, which will be combined with an existing investigation into other donations to the party.
The report showed former policy head James Orr and senior aide Dan Jukes meeting the undercover reporter and an actor playing the donor’s father, later arranging a discussion with party leader Nigel Farage about a larger contribution from the United States.
"Following a broadcast by Channel 4 News on Thursday, 3 September, the Met received a number of reports relating to donations and polling involving a political party," a Metropolitan Police spokesperson told CNN.
"Detectives have assessed the information provided and determined that there are potential offences requiring investigation."
Reform UK issued a statement denying any wrongdoing and said it will cooperate fully with the investigation.
The party has previously faced scrutiny after a separate report claimed its leader Nigel Farage received a £5 million donation from a Thai-based billionaire, which was not disclosed. The current probe adds to ongoing questions about the party’s financing practices ahead of upcoming local elections.