Nigel Farage's inner circle is facing increasing scrutiny after his aide, George Cottrell, and mother, Fiona Cottrell, were interviewed under caution by Metropolitan Police detectives. At the heart of this probe are donations to Reform UK, the party led by Mr Farage, in the run-up to the July 2024 general election. Both individuals voluntarily attended interviews with officers from the Metropolitan Police's special inquiry team, as part of a wider investigation sparked by a referral from the Electoral Commission.
The police investigation, initiated last year, is focused on "donations made to a political party ahead of the 2024 UK general election" and "alleged offences under section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000" (PPERA). This legislation aims to prevent the circumvention of restrictions on political party donors. The Met's inquiry is examining whether donations to Reform UK complied with these regulations.
Section 61 of PPERA makes it an offence for a person to knowingly enter into or facilitate any arrangement that allows donations to a registered party from anyone other than a permissible donor. It also criminalises knowingly providing false information to a party treasurer regarding a donation's amount or source, or intentionally withholding material information about it with intent to deceive.
Fiona Cottrell has reportedly not responded to media enquiries regarding her support for Reform UK. George Cottrell's lawyers stated he had no comment. In a previous communication, his lawyers asserted that his mother's donations were "entirely her own decision" and that suggestions he "has donated impermissibly to Reform UK are unfounded."
The police investigation is expected to continue for several months, involving requests for disclosure and documents from banks and other financial institutions. The force has sought and received early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service. A criminal caution protects the rights of those being interviewed and signifies that any statements made could be used as evidence in subsequent proceedings.
The funding of Reform UK has drawn increased scrutiny, particularly after reports of financial transactions involving senior party figures being flagged to the National Crime Agency by bankers concerned about potential money laundering. The origin of the Met's investigation is understood to be a £1 million donation made by Fiona Cottrell to Britain Means Business, a fundraising vehicle for Reform UK, on 10 June 2024. Half of this amount, £500,000, was transferred to Reform UK by 12 June, just weeks before the general election.
Reform UK's deputy leader, Richard Tice, stated he was "not aware" of the £1 million being investigated and affirmed Fiona Cottrell as a donor. The inquiry is broader than initially suggested, examining other financial aspects related to Reform UK.