Police are investigating two donations of £250,000 made to Reform UK by Fiona Cottrell, the mother of convicted fraudster George Cottrell, a close ally of Nigel Farage. The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Thursday night that the investigation, launched in February 2025 after a referral by the Electoral Commission, focuses on whether the May 2024 donations were intended to conceal a donation from an impermissible donor.
Donations Under Scrutiny
The two £250,000 donations were made by Fiona Cottrell, whose son George has frequently accompanied Farage to Reform events and media appearances. Two individuals have been interviewed under caution, but no arrests have been made. The investigation relates to section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, which criminalizes concealing or disguising the true source of a political donation.
These donations appear separate from a £1 million deposit Fiona Cottrell made in June 2024 to Britain Means Business, a company run by Reform deputy leader Richard Tice. The Guardian previously reported that bankers flagged this transfer to the National Crime Agency (NCA), which has been unable to trace the origin of the funds. Of that £1 million, £500,000 was moved into Reform’s coffers weeks before the general election.
Wider Financial Questions
The police investigation adds to mounting pressure on Reform and Nigel Farage, who have faced scrutiny over party finances. The Guardian earlier revealed an undisclosed £5 million gift to Farage from cryptocurrency entrepreneur Christopher Harborne. The latest developments come as Farage prepares to contest a byelection in Clacton after stepping down as MP.
Fiona Cottrell, described as being of relatively modest means, has reportedly donated a total of £1.75 million to Reform UK and Britain Means Business. She has not responded to questions about her financial involvement with the party. Her son, George Cottrell, was jailed in 2017 for wire fraud after offering money-laundering services on the dark web and later authored a book titled How to Launder Money.
George Cottrell’s Role
George Cottrell, who has described himself as Farage’s “chief of staff,” has allegedly bankrolled party expenses including dinners and VIP transport. Reform insists he has never held an official role. Cottrell is resident in Montenegro, raising questions about his donor status. His lawyers claim he is a permissible donor but have not explained how. He is also reportedly involved in cryptocurrencies and offshore gambling websites, including Tether.bet, though he denies being a director.
Police and Commission Statements
The Metropolitan Police stated: “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. Detectives from the Met’s special inquiry 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.”
The Electoral Commission declined further comment, saying: “The Metropolitan Police Service have issued a statement about an ongoing police investigation. We have no further comment.”
