The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating at least £500,000 in contributions given to the Reform UK party. According to reports from the Times, the funds originated from Fiona Cottrell, the mother of a convicted fraudster who had previously covered security and staffing costs for Nigel Farage.
Authorities have spent over a year examining potential violations regarding donation transparency. The inquiry focuses on two payments of £250,000 made by Fiona Cottrell prior to the 2024 general election. Investigators are specifically looking into whether these donations involved illegal sources or the submission of false information.
George Cottrell, who served an eight-month prison sentence in the United States for fraud, has been linked to the party through financial support provided to Mr. Farage. While lawyers for George Cottrell reject the claims made by the Sunday Times, the Reform leader maintains that he has committed no wrongdoing.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a formal investigation began in February 2025 following a referral from the Electoral Commission. Detectives from the Special Enquiry Team are reviewing potential breaches of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. While two individuals have been interviewed under caution, no arrests have occurred at this time.
