London Police Launch Criminal Investigation into Reform UK Over Electoral Funding Allegations

London's Metropolitan Police have announced a criminal investigation into Reform UK following allegations that the political party breached electoral funding laws regarding foreign donations and polling. The decision comes after an undercover documentary revealed party officials discussing potential funding arrangements with covert reporters. Reform UK has denied all allegations of wrongdoing and stated that it will fully cooperate with authorities.

Undercover Documentary Triggers Police Probe

The investigation stems from an undercover operation conducted over the course of a year by investigative group Verbatim, which aired on Channel 4 during Reform UK's annual party conference. The documentary alleged that the party violated electoral law by coordinating with a foreign donor to fund political polling. Filmed during the sting, former head of policy James Orr and Dan Jukes, a former senior aide to party leader Nigel Farage, were captured discussing funding arrangements with undercover reporters posing as a wealthy US businessman and his British-based son. Discussions reportedly included payment for three opinion polls commissioned by the party.

Nigel Farage, who serves as party leader and MP for Clacton, was also filmed attending a lunch with the undercover reporters. Farage later stated to the BBC that he was not paying attention to what was being said during the meeting, describing some of the recorded remarks as "loose pub talk." Following the broadcast of the documentary, Farage dismissed the senior aides involved.

Metropolitan Police Statement and Party Response

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that detectives from the Special Enquiry Team evaluated multiple reports concerning donations and polling related to the party. Officials determined that potential offences exist that require formal investigation. Police noted that these matters align with an ongoing investigation already being handled by the Special Enquiry Team into donations made to the same political party.

Reform UK previously initiated an internal review on Friday and rejected the claims, asserting that the party was targeted in a hoax orchestrated by climate activists. A spokesperson for Reform UK affirmed that the party would cooperate fully with law enforcement, adding, "We won't be commenting further while a live investigation is underway."

Broader Scrutiny Surrounding the Party

The criminal probe adds to ongoing regulatory and political pressures facing Reform UK. Farage is currently under a separate investigation by a parliamentary watchdog regarding earlier financial contributions, specifically focusing on a £5 million ($9.3 million) gift made to him. The revelations disrupted the party's annual conference, where Farage intended to outline plans for Reform UK's first 100 days in government ahead of the next national election, which must occur by mid-2029 at the latest.