Nigel Farage faces fresh allegations about his party's relationship with convicted fraudster George Cottrell, who reportedly calls him "daddy." The Sunday Times reports that Cottrell, nicknamed "Posh George," used his own money to pay for Reform UK's office costs, including software, since the 2024 general election. These donations were not declared to the Electoral Commission, as required by law.
Ongoing investigations
Farage is already under a Parliamentary standards probe, and potentially a second, before stepping down to fight a by-election in Clacton. He claimed he was a victim of an establishment stitch-up, but faces competition from parody candidate Count Binface. Political parties can be fined for failing to declare donations worth more than £500. Reform UK insists Cottrell is an unpaid volunteer.
Previous allegations
The Times previously reported that Cottrell provided Farage with benefits including security, drivers, staff, and accommodation. The Liberal Democrats called on Parliamentary standards commissioner Daniel Greenberg to investigate. Farage's lawyers dispute reports of financial assistance. Greenberg was already investigating a £5 million "gift" from crypto tycoon Christopher Harborne, which Reform says was a personal gift not requiring declaration.
Police investigation
The Metropolitan Police is investigating two donations of £250,000 each from Cottrell's mother, Fiona, in May 2024, looking into whether the true source was concealed or came from an impermissible donor. A Labour spokesperson said: "The sleaze around Reform and their money just keeps growing. If George Cottrell has been bankrolling Reform’s offices in secret, that is against the law and Reform must face the consequences."
Reform UK's response
Former Reform candidate Tony Mack told The Guardian that Cottrell referred to Farage as "daddy." Farage has previously said Cottrell is like a son to him. Reform UK stated: "George Cottrell has no official role in Reform UK, nor has he previously held any official role. He has never been a party employee, he is an unpaid volunteer like many thousands of party members." The party declined to comment to the Sunday Times on the latest allegations.
