Reform UK candidate says Cottrell was introduced as Farage’s chief of staff
8 reported1 unconfirmed
A former Reform UK candidate has stated that George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster, was routinely introduced as Nigel Farage’s chief of staff before the 2024 general election, despite party denials that he held any official role. Tony Mack, who initially stood as Reform’s candidate for Clacton in 2024, told the Guardian that Cottrell was introduced as Farage’s chief of staff during meetings. Mack recalled Cottrell as being “polite and cordial” and said the younger man sometimes referred to Farage as “daddy.” A Reform spokesperson said Cottrell has no official role in the party and has never been a party employee, describing him as an unpaid volunteer. The party did not address other claims, including that Cottrell arranged Land Rovers for Reform MPs and covered the cost of a fundraising lunch. The Guardian reported that a loan from Cottrell to Reform’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, was highlighted in suspicious activity reports, and a £1m donation from Cottrell’s mother to a party fundraising organization was also flagged by bank staff.
What’s reported
Tony Mack, a former Reform UK candidate for Clacton, told the Guardian that George Cottrell was introduced as Nigel Farage’s chief of staff before the 2024 general election.
Mack recalled Cottrell as “polite and cordial” and said Cottrell sometimes referred to Farage as “daddy.”
A Reform spokesperson stated that Cottrell has no official role in the party and has never been a party employee, calling him an unpaid volunteer.
The Guardian reported that a loan from Cottrell to Reform deputy leader Richard Tice was highlighted in suspicious activity reports (SARs).
A £1m donation from Cottrell’s mother, Fiona, to Britain Means Business was also flagged in SARs; bank staff were not satisfied the funds ultimately came from her.
The Times reported that Cottrell gave out a business card with his name and an official email address for Farage, and provided security, accommodation, and staffing before the election.
Another source said Cottrell covered the cost of a lunch at Saint Jacques restaurant in London in December 2024, where Farage met potential donors.
Reform acknowledged gifts from Cottrell but said they were personal gifts to Farage unconnected to his political activities.
Open questions
The article does not specify whether Cottrell’s role or activities violated any laws or regulations beyond the flagged SARs.
Key figures
George Cottrell: convicted fraudster, described as having no official role in Reform UK
Nigel Farage: Reform UK leader
Tony Mack: former Reform UK candidate for Clacton
Richard Tice: Reform UK deputy leader
Fiona Cottrell: George Cottrell’s mother
Anna Turley: Labour Party chair
Christopher Harborne: crypto billionaire, subject of separate investigation
Nick Candy: Reform UK honorary treasurer
Sources: The Guardian
