The Metropolitan Police in London have launched an investigation into donations made to the hard-right Reform UK party, according to a report in The Times. The inquiry, which began in February 2025 following a referral from the Electoral Commission, centres on approximately £500,000 (€587,222) in payments from Fiona Cottrell, a wealthy aristocrat and mother of a convicted fraudster.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed that two individuals have been interviewed under caution, and early investigative advice has been sought from prosecutors. No arrests have been made so far. The donations were reportedly made before the July 2024 general election, when Reform leader Nigel Farage was elected as a Member of Parliament for the first time.
Farage Under Multiple Scrutiny Fronts
Reform UK, an anti-immigration party that has consistently led the ruling Labour Party in opinion polls for over a year, is facing intense scrutiny over several alleged undeclared donations. Farage himself is already under investigation for failing to disclose gifts from George Cottrell, Fiona Cottrell's son, as revealed by the Sunday Times. George Cottrell, a 32-year-old cryptocurrency entrepreneur, was convicted of fraud in the United States in 2017.
Additionally, Farage has been the subject of a parliamentary probe into a £5 million (€5.8 million) donation from Christopher Harborne, a Thailand-based cryptocurrency billionaire. That investigation was suspended after Farage announced his resignation as MP for Clacton in southeast England on Tuesday, triggering a by-election. The probe is expected to resume if Farage regains the seat, which is widely anticipated.
Farage, a 62-year-old former commodity broker educated at a private school, has framed the upcoming contest as a "people versus the establishment" fight. However, other major parties view the by-election as a stunt and have refused to field candidates. This has left Count Binface, a self-described "intergalactic space warrior" known for his trash-can-shaped head and long cape, as the highest-profile opponent confirmed to stand against Farage.
Tendring District Council, which oversees the Clacton constituency, announced on Friday that the by-election will take place on 13 August. Candidates must submit their nominations between 14 and 17 July.
The investigation into Reform UK's finances comes amid broader European scrutiny of far-right parties and their funding sources. In a related development, the European Parliament has moved to strip an AfD-linked party of EU funding, highlighting a continent-wide effort to ensure transparency in political financing.
Farage has denied any wrongdoing in all cases. The Metropolitan Police inquiry remains ongoing, with further developments expected as the by-election approaches.
