Police Investigate Reform UK Donations
The Metropolitan Police are conducting an investigation into donations totaling at least £500,000 made to Reform UK by Fiona Cottrell, the mother of a convicted fraudster who funded Nigel Farage's social media staff and security, according to a report by the Times newspaper.
Fiona Cottrell is reportedly central to the inquiry, which has been ongoing for over a year. Officers are examining possible offences related to "the evasion of restrictions on donations," the Times states.
The investigation concerns allegations of concealing or disguising donations originating from an "impermissible" donor to a political party or providing "false" information regarding donations, including the amount or the donor's identity.
The Times reports that the probe focuses on two payments of £250,000 each made by Fiona Cottrell to Reform UK prior to the 2024 general election. The first donation was recorded in the party’s account on 9 May 2024, and the second on 29 May 2024, just over a month before polling day. These donations are documented in records published by the Electoral Commission.
Nigel Farage was elected to the House of Commons for the first time in that election.
The Sunday Times recently reported that George Cottrell, Fiona’s son, financially supported the Reform UK leader by funding staff and security before the election. However, these benefits were not declared after Farage became an MP.
George Cottrell pleaded guilty to fraud charges in the United States and served eight months in jail before his release in 2017.
Legal representatives for George Cottrell have stated that he "categorically disputes allegations and assertions made by the Sunday Times" concerning his financial assistance to Farage. Nigel Farage has denied any wrongdoing.
Metropolitan Police Statement
When approached by the BBC, a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police said:
"An investigation was launched in February 2025 after a referral was made to the Metropolitan Police by the Electoral Commission relating to donations made to a political party ahead of the 2024 UK General Election."
"Detectives from the Met's Special Enquiry Team are investigating alleged offences under Section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
Early investigative advice has been sought from the Crown Prosecution Service and two people have so far been interviewed under caution. No arrests have been made.
An offence under this section is not one that the Electoral Commission can investigate and, as such, it is a matter for the police."
The Electoral Commission told the BBC:
"The Metropolitan Police Service have issued a statement about an on-going police investigation. We have no further comment."
The BBC has made attempts to contact Fiona Cottrell for comment.
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