Reform has reportedly been in a 'tailspin' over a Channel 4 News sting that appeared to show the party was 'intensely relaxed about breaking the law by taking money from overseas'. The allegations have led to the departure of Dan Jukes, described as Nigel Farage’s long-term protege, and James Orr, Reform's head of policy.
Nigel Farage, in an interview with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, reportedly sought to distance himself from any alleged wrongdoing. He claimed he had not been listening when discussions about breaking the law by taking foreign money occurred, suggesting it was 'pub talk'.
Farage reportedly stated that Jukes and Orr had been 'injudicious at best'. He also claimed he had never been close to Dan Jukes and had 'no idea' why he had been his 'right-hand gofer' for the past decade. Farage described James Orr as an 'ingenu' and a 'dreamer', suggesting it was unreasonable to expect a finance lawyer to understand party funding law.
During the interview, Farage reportedly denied saying 'it’s all above board' in response to a potential donor outlining a scheme that would break the law. He claimed he had actually asked, 'Is it all above board?', attributing any misinterpretation to hearing difficulties.