Labour seeks inquiry into Reform UK donations
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The gist
Reform UK reported to police over alleged foreign donations after undercover filming.
The scandal threatens Farage's leadership and party credibility amid ongoing probes.
Background
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has faced a series of funding scandals. An undercover investigation by Channel 4 News allegedly filmed senior party figures, including Farage, discussing secret donations from a foreign donor. The Liberal Democrats have reported the party to the Metropolitan Police and Electoral Commission, with Labour and the Greens also calling for a probe. This comes as Reform holds its annual conference, aiming to present itself as a credible contender for power.
How it unfolded
- 2024Nigel Farage received a £5 million gift from Thailand-based crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, which he failed to declare as a political donation.
- Summer 2026Reform UK faced investigations into donations from cryptocurrency investors, leading to a parliamentary probe into Farage's undeclared gift.
- Sep 2, 2026In a BBC interview, Farage dismissed scrutiny as a 'wilful attempt' to portray Reform as crooked.
- Sep 3, 2026Channel 4 News broadcast undercover footage allegedly showing Farage and aides celebrating secret foreign donations. Liberal Democrats reported Reform to police and Electoral Commission; Labour and Greens called for a probe.
- Sep 4, 2026Two top Farage aides, Dan Jukes and James Orr, stepped down pending an internal investigation. Labour reported the matter to the Metropolitan Police.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Reform UK denies wrongdoing, calling the undercover footage a 'hoax' by foreign-funded activists and stating it has launched its own investigation.
- Labour
- Labour chair Bridget Phillipson said the scandal 'goes right to the top' and that Farage needs to prove his team hasn't broken the law.
- Liberal Democrats
- Lib Dem leader Ed Davey called on police and the Electoral Commission to investigate the alleged breaches.
- Experts
- Legal experts allege that accepting foreign donations and hiding their origin could breach UK electoral law.
Still unverified
The undercover footage's authenticity is disputed by Reform UK, which claims it was edited and part of a hoax by foreign-funded activists. The Metropolitan Police has not yet launched a formal investigation, only assessing reports.