The Metropolitan Police are conducting an investigation into at least £500,000 in donations provided to Reform UK by Fiona Cottrell. Reports indicate that officers have spent more than a year examining potential offences regarding the evasion of donation restrictions, including the alleged concealment of funds from impermissible donors or the submission of false information regarding donor identity and contribution amounts.
The inquiry centers on two separate payments of £250,000 made by Fiona Cottrell to the party prior to the 2024 general election. According to Electoral Commission records, the first payment was processed on May 9, 2024, followed by a second payment on May 29, just over a month before the polling date. Nigel Farage, who was elected to the Commons for the first time during that election, has denied any personal wrongdoing.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed that the investigation was formally launched in February 2025 following a referral from the Electoral Commission. Detectives from the force’s Special Enquiry Team are currently investigating alleged breaches of Section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. While the investigation is ongoing, officials noted that they have sought early advice from the Crown Prosecution Service and have interviewed two individuals under caution, though no arrests have been made to date.
The investigation also follows reports that Fiona Cottrell’s son, George Cottrell—who served eight months in a United States prison following a fraud conviction—provided financial support to Nigel Farage for staff and security expenses. These benefits were reportedly not declared after Farage took office. Lawyers representing George Cottrell have stated that he categorically disputes the allegations regarding his financial assistance to the Reform leader. Meanwhile, Reform UK sources have indicated that no party officials have been interviewed by police in connection with the matter, and the Electoral Commission has declined to comment further on the ongoing police process.
This relates, the Times alleges, to concealing or disguising donations derived from an "impermissible" donor to a political party, or the use of "false" information about a donation including the amount or the identity of the donor.
Reform asks NCA to investigate leaks of private financial information
