The Metropolitan Police is investigating at least £500,000 in donations made to Reform UK by Fiona Cottrell, the mother of convicted criminal George Cottrell, according to reports. The donations, two separate payments of £250,000 each, are alleged to have funded Nigel Farage's social media staff and security, with Cottrell also accompanying the Reform leader to events.
Police Investigation and Legal Framework
Detectives from the Met's Special Enquiry Team have spent over a year looking into potential offences under Section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, which relates to the evasion of restrictions on donations. A Met Police spokesman confirmed: "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." Early advice has been sought from the Crown Prosecution Service, and two people have been interviewed under caution, though no arrests have been made.
Political Reactions and Denials
Reform Deputy Leader Richard Tice dismissed the allegations as part of a "politically motivated smear campaign." Speaking to Times Radio on Friday, Tice said: "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." Reform insists that no party officials have been interviewed by police.
Separate Donations and NCA Involvement
The donations under investigation appear separate from a £1 million payment Fiona Cottrell made to a company run by Tice in June 2024, which was flagged to the National Crime Agency by bankers. The Guardian reported that £500,000 of that sum was moved into Reform's coffers weeks before the 2024 general election. Bankers and the NCA have been unable to confirm the origin of the cash given to Britain Means Business, Tice's company.
Nigel Farage's Resignation and Other Probes
Farage quit as an MP on Tuesday to fight a by-election in his Clacton constituency, citing a "people versus the establishment" campaign. He is also under investigation over a £5 million gift from Thai-based crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne, which the Guardian reported was flagged by bankers as potential money laundering. George Cottrell, 32, reportedly recruited and paid three staff to work on Farage's social media before the general election and allowed him to use a rented Georgian property near Buckingham Palace.
Background on George Cottrell
Cottrell, an aristocrat, was jailed for eight months in the US in 2017 after admitting wire fraud. He "categorically disputes allegations and assertions made by the Sunday Times" regarding his financial help for Farage. Farage has denied any wrongdoing.
