Met Police Investigates Reform UK Donations Reported by Guardian
11 reported1 unconfirmed
The Metropolitan police is investigating payments to Reform UK that were first reported by the Guardian. The inquiry focuses on donations made to the party through a company controlled by its deputy leader, Richard Tice. Scotland Yard is examining two donations of £250,000 made to Reform UK by Britain Means Business in the weeks before the 2024 general election. The Guardian reported earlier this month that Fiona Cottrell transferred £1m to Britain Means Business shortly before those donations, with about half of the funds then passed to the party. Fiona Cottrell’s son, George, is a convicted fraudster with close ties to Reform leader Nigel Farage. The Guardian also reported that Fiona and George Cottrell have been interviewed under criminal caution as part of the police investigation. Tice, who is the sole director of Britain Means Business, said he had not been contacted by police and questioned whether the Met was engaged in a politically motivated smear campaign. The Guardian noted that the source of the original £1m from Fiona Cottrell could not be traced by the National Crime Agency or bankers.
What’s reported
The Metropolitan police is investigating payments to Reform UK first revealed by the Guardian.
The inquiry scrutinizes payments made via a company controlled by deputy leader Richard Tice.
Scotland Yard is looking at two donations of £250,000 to Reform UK by Britain Means Business before the 2024 general election.
The Guardian reported that Fiona Cottrell made a £1m transfer to Britain Means Business shortly before the donations; about half went to the party.
Fiona Cottrell’s son, George, is a convicted fraudster with close links to Reform leader Nigel Farage.
Fiona and George Cottrell have been interviewed under criminal caution as part of the investigation.
Tice said he had not been contacted by police and questioned if the Met was engaged in a politically motivated smear campaign.
Fiona Cottrell also made two direct donations of £250,000 each to Reform UK in May 2024, also under investigation.
The Guardian reported that the NCA and bankers could not trace the source of the original £1m from Fiona Cottrell.
A Reform UK spokesperson said the party follows Electoral Commission guidelines on donations.
The Metropolitan police stated the investigation began in February 2025 after a referral from the Electoral Commission.
Open questions
The source of the original £1m transferred by Fiona Cottrell to Britain Means Business remains untraced by the NCA and bankers.
Key figures
Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK and sole director of Britain Means Business
Fiona Cottrell, donor
George Cottrell, son of Fiona Cottrell, convicted fraudster
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK
Metropolitan police (Scotland Yard)
National Crime Agency (NCA)
Electoral Commission
Crown Prosecution Service
Sources: The Guardian
