Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, has defended a donor at the centre of a controversy over the party's finances, calling reports of the payments a 'politically motivated smear.' In an interview with Times Radio, Tice confirmed that Fiona Cottrell, mother of former Farage aide George Cottrell, made donations to the party and a related fundraising vehicle.
Tice defends donor's legitimacy
Tice stated that Cottrell is a 'permissible donor' from a 'very successful aristocratic family' with whom his family has been acquainted for 50 years. He denied any impropriety, asserting that the donations were legitimate. According to The Times, Cottrell made two £250,000 payments to Reform UK before the 2024 general election, prior to Nigel Farage announcing his candidacy in Clacton.
Additionally, Cottrell donated £1 million to Britain Means Business, a fundraising vehicle for the party, of which Tice is a director. These transactions were flagged by bankers to the National Crime Agency (NCA) in suspicious activity reports, as reported by The Guardian.
Police investigation underway
The Metropolitan Police confirmed it opened an inquiry in February 2025 following a referral by the Electoral Commission, investigating donations made to a political party ahead of the 2024 UK General Election. Reports indicate Scotland Yard has been probing £500,000 in donations to Reform UK for over a year, focusing on possible offences related to evading restrictions. A Met Police spokesperson said two people have been interviewed under caution and early advice sought from the Crown Prosecution Service, but no arrests have been made.
Tice expressed surprise at the investigation, saying, 'No, that’s absolutely the first time I’ve heard of this investigation. And isn’t it a coincidence that it’s suddenly been leaked out the same week as all the stuff’s come out of the National Crime Agency?' He added, 'This is all a politically motivated smear campaign. It’s outrageous.'
Farage's separate donation controversy
The row deepens as Nigel Farage faces separate scrutiny over a £5 million gift from crypto-billionaire and Reform donor Christopher Harborne. Farage resigned as MP for Clacton to trigger a by-election on August 13, framing it as a 'people versus the establishment' contest. His main opponent is expected to be comedy candidate Count Binface, after mainstream parties boycotted the election.
Farage is also under investigation by Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Daniel Greenberg for allegedly failing to declare the £5 million gift upon becoming an MP in 2024. The probe was suspended after his resignation but may resume if he wins the by-election. A suspension of more than 10 days could trigger a recall petition, potentially forcing another contest.
Farage claimed he is facing the 'anti-Trump playbook' and accused other parties of colluding to boycott the by-election. US President Donald Trump appeared to show support by sharing an article on Truth Social headlined 'They’re Running The 2024 Anti-Trump Playbook On Nigel Farage.'
