The Metropolitan Police has confirmed it is carrying out a criminal investigation into Reform UK donations after an undercover investigation into the party.
Last week, Channel 4 News broadcast an investigation from Verbatim in which undercover reporters posed as a wealthy foreign backer looking to funnel money into Reform UK.
Footage from the investigation showed senior Reform figures seemingly willing to look for ways to circumvent electoral law to allow the backer to fund the party with a £500,000 donation.
Nigel Farage was present for a meeting in which this was discussed, with the Reform leader not objecting to anything mentioned.
Both Reform and Farage have denied any wrongdoing, but following the investigation’s broadcast it was confirmed that the Electoral Commission and Metropolitan Police were looking into claims from the report.
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Now, the Met has announced an official investigation into Reform UK over whether the party broke the law in relation to foreign funding.
A Met spokesperson said: “Following a broadcast by Channel 4 News on Thursday, 3 September, the Met received a number of reports relating to donations and polling involving a political party.
“Detectives have assessed the information provided and determined that there are potential offences requiring investigation. The potential offences are similar in nature to matters already under investigation by the Met’s Special Enquiry Team relating to donations made to the same political party. As a result, these matters will form part of that ongoing investigation.
“All allegations under investigation relate to potential offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
“As part of enquiries, detectives are seeking to obtain relevant footage relating to the broadcast on Thursday 3, September.
“Detectives continue to liaise closely with the Electoral Commission and Crown Prosecution Service as enquiries progress.”
