Convicted fraudster George Cottrell transferred over $2 million to his mother, Fiona Cottrell, in the days leading up to her 2024 donations to Reform UK. Financial industry sources indicate Fiona received a $1.4 million deposit and two additional sums exceeding $300,000 each. She reportedly told bankers these funds came from her son.
These transfers reportedly occurred 24-72 hours before Fiona Cottrell made donations directly to Reform UK or through Britain Means Business, a fundraising vehicle for the party. The lump sums are understood to have passed through US-based cryptocurrency exchanges before reaching Fiona's account, with some routed via money exchange services.
The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating the funding of Reform UK, specifically examining whether there were attempts to conceal the ultimate source of donations. This new information adds to existing questions facing Reform UK and its leader, Nigel Farage, regarding party finances.