Police investigating Reform over donations

A statement has been released.

As per The Times, police are investigating at least £500,000 worth of donations made to Reform UK by Fiona Cottrell, mother of convicted criminal George Cottrell.

It comes after the paper said that officers have spent more than a year looking into potential offences relating to "the evasion of restrictions on donations."

The Times alleges that this concerns concealing or disguising donations derived from an "impermissible" donor to a political party, or the use of "false" information about a donation including the amount or the identity of the donor.

Detectives from the force have reportedly interviewed two people under caution. 

Reform sources say no party officials have been interviewed by the police.

The police’s inquiry is reported to relate to two £250,000 payments Fiona Cottrell made to Reform UK in May 2024 just before the general election.

She has had no history as a political donor

It comes after The Times reported George Cottrell had given gifts to Farage for staff and security before these elections which the Reform leader failed to declare upon becoming an MP.

Lawyers for George Cottrell said he "categorically disputes allegations and assertions made by the Sunday Times" in relation to his financial help for Farage.

As for Farage, he denies any wrongdoing on his part.

A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police told the BBC: "An investigation was launched in February 2025 after a referral was made to the Metropolitan Police by the Electoral Commission relating to donations made to a political party ahead of the 2024 UK General Election."

She added: "Detectives from the Met's Special Enquiry Team are investigating alleged offences under Section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.

"Early investigative advice has been sought from the Crown Prosecution Service and two people have so far been interviewed under caution. No arrests have been made.

"An offence under this section is not one that the Electoral Commission can investigate and, as such, it is a matter for the police."

The Electoral Commission told the BBC: "The Metropolitan Police Service have issued a statement about an on-going police investigation. We have no further comment."