The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into financial donations made to the political party Reform UK during the lead-up to the 2024 UK general election. Detectives from the force's special enquiry team are specifically scrutinizing payments funneled through Britain Means Business, a company where Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice serves as the sole director.
The inquiry centers on two £250,000 donations provided to the party by Britain Means Business. Reports indicate that Fiona Cottrell transferred £1 million to the company shortly before these donations were issued, with approximately half of those funds subsequently passed to Reform UK. Additionally, the investigation covers two separate £250,000 donations made directly to the party by Fiona Cottrell in May 2024. Fiona and her son, George Cottrell—a convicted fraudster with known ties to Reform leader Nigel Farage—have reportedly been interviewed under criminal caution as part of the ongoing probe.
Regarding the origins of the initial £1 million transfer, it is understood that neither the National Crime Agency nor the involved bankers have successfully traced the source of the funds. The NCA is currently seeking assistance from international partners to clarify the money's origin. The transfer was previously flagged to the National Crime Agency via a suspicious activity report, which serves to identify potential money laundering incidents rather than acting as a formal crime report.
In response to the news, Richard Tice questioned the timing and nature of the inquiry, suggesting it may be part of a politically motivated smear campaign against his party. He stated that he had not been contacted by the police prior to media reports regarding the investigation. A spokesperson for Reform UK maintained that the party adheres to strict vetting processes and complies with all Electoral Commission guidelines established under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that their investigation began in February 2025 following a referral from the Electoral Commission. Authorities are looking into alleged violations of section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, an area outside the investigative remit of the Electoral Commission. While the Crown Prosecution Service has provided early investigative advice, police confirmed that no arrests have been made at this stage.
