Police Launch Criminal Investigation into Reform UK Donations
BBC News reports that the Metropolitan Police is conducting a criminal investigation into allegations of illegal foreign funding related to Reform UK, following an undercover investigation by Channel 4 News and Verbatim Investigations.
Two senior aides were dismissed last week after the broadcast revealed discussions about securing funds from an American donor and using a fake company for polling expenses. The Met’s Special Enquiry Team is integrating this inquiry into a wider look at other donations to Reform UK.
A Reform UK spokesperson maintains the party "denies any wrongdoing" and will fully cooperate with the investigation. They have stated they will not be providing further comment while the probe is ongoing.
According to a Met spokesperson, the force received reports regarding possible violations of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 after the Channel 4 News report. The statement emphasized that detectives are seeking footage related to the broadcast as part of their investigation, which they are conducting in coordination with the Electoral Commission and Crown Prosecution Service.
