Police widen criminal probe into Reform UK over foreign funding claims

British police are widening a criminal investigation into the populist Reform UK party concerning allegations of breaking electoral law on foreign funding. The probe, announced on Wednesday, stems from a documentary that reportedly showed party officials discussing payments for opinion polls with individuals posing as foreign businessmen. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has denied any wrongdoing and stated it will fully cooperate with the investigation. The party launched its own internal inquiry last week and claimed it was a victim of a hoax, with Farage describing some comments as "loose pub talk." The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are investigating potential offenses related to donations and polling involving the party.

The Metropolitan Police are investigating allegations that the Reform UK party may have broken electoral law concerning overseas donations. This inquiry follows a Channel 4 News broadcast, which featured an undercover sting operation by Verbatim reporters posing as a foreign donor. The sting reportedly showed two close advisers to Nigel Farage discussing methods to circumvent electoral law with the fake donor, leading to their resignations. The Met confirmed that the reported allegations involve potential offenses similar to those already under investigation by their special enquiry team regarding donations to the same party. Detectives are obtaining relevant footage and collaborating with the Electoral Commission and Crown Prosecution Service as the investigation proceeds.

Reform UK is facing accusations of violating UK foreign funding rules following an undercover investigation by Channel 4. Senior officials Dan Jukes and James Orr were allegedly filmed discussing methods to circumvent laws that prohibit political parties from accepting donations from overseas individuals or organizations. The investigation, conducted by Verbatim, reportedly showed Jukes discussing a proposal for a large donation from a US financier through his UK-resident son, and Orr suggesting a US donor fund opinion polls for the party. In response, Reform UK announced an internal probe, and both Jukes and Orr have stepped down pending its outcome. Nigel Farage, the party leader, has accused the journalists of entrapment and insisted the party has broken no laws. The Labour Party has requested a police investigation into the allegations.

An undercover investigation by Channel 4, conducted by journalists from Verbatim, has revealed footage appearing to show Reform UK officials discussing ways to circumvent electoral laws regarding foreign donations. Journalists posed as a potential Reform supporter and his wealthy American father, an impermissible donor, who allegedly paid £30,000 for polling that benefited the party. Senior Reform UK figures, including a policy head and an adviser to Nigel Farage, were filmed discussing how the US-based father could fund the polling through his son. Nigel Farage himself was filmed meeting the fake donor and appearing to celebrate the polling's success. Reform UK has denied wrongdoing, calling the investigation a "hoax" by "foreign-funded, climate change activists." The revelations come ahead of the Reform UK party conference and reopen scrutiny of the party's finances.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faced heckling from protesters while speaking at the party's conference in Birmingham on Friday. The article does not provide further details on the content of the heckling or the specific reasons for the protest. Farage was addressing the conference at the time of the incident. The article does not mention any denials or statements made by Farage regarding illegal funding.

Nigel Farage has acknowledged that a row over overseas donations for his Reform UK party "looks bad" but denies any breach of electoral law. The party suspended two aides after they were filmed discussing ways to circumvent foreign donation rules. The Metropolitan police are assessing evidence and may launch an investigation into potential breaches of political funding laws. Reform UK's Treasury spokesperson, Robert Jenrick, stated that legal advice indicates the party has followed protocol at all times, though lessons will be learned. The controversy comes amid scrutiny of Reform UK's finances, including a significant gift to Farage. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds criticized the party's handling of foreign donations.