Two senior Reform UK aides resign amid donation investigation
James Orr and Dan Jukes have stepped down from Nigel Farage's Reform party as an internal probe begins following a Channel 4 report alleging attempts to circumvent UK electoral donation rules.
Two senior officials of Reform UK, James Orr and Dan Jukes, have left their positions while the party conducts an internal investigation after a Channel 4 documentary raised questions about possible breaches of British electoral law. The programme, aired on Thursday, featured an undercover journalist posing as the son of a wealthy American businessman who offered to fund the party. Footage shown on the broadcast suggested the aides discussed arranging a £32,500 donation for political polling and explored ways to channel a larger £500,000 foreign contribution, which would be prohibited under UK rules.
A Reform spokesperson said the party will allow an independent inquiry to proceed without prejudice and declined further comment. Both Orr and Jukes denied any wrongdoing. In an interview with LBC Radio, party leader Nigel Farage asserted that the party had not taken illegal money and described the investigation as "entrapment" that had been conducted over an extended period.
Channel 4 defended the report, stating that the investigation had been rigorously verified. The allegations come as Reform UK faces additional scrutiny over a multimillion-pound donation from cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne and as the party’s annual conference begins. Opposing parties, including Labour and the Liberal Democrats, have written to the Metropolitan Police alleging possible electoral law violations. Police confirmed they are aware of the reporting and will assess any information provided, while the Electoral Commission said it is in contact with law enforcement regarding the matter.