The multi-millionaire Reform backer George Cottrell, who reportedly refers to Nigel Farage as 'daddy', has come under scrutiny after his contributions to the party sparked calls for a parliamentary standards inquiry into Farage. The 32-year-old former public school boy, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud in the US in 2017, made a series of contributions to Farage in the year before he won the Clacton seat and became an MP.
Cottrell's Background and Connections
Born in Gloucestershire, Cottrell attended Malvern College but was reportedly expelled for gambling. His mother, Fiona Cottrell, briefly dated King Charles before he ascended the throne, according to the Sunday Times. His grandfather, the third Baron Manon, inherited a family soap empire. Despite not finishing his A levels, Cottrell's aristocratic connections and financial acumen opened doors in the hedge fund world of Mayfair.
A source told Metro: 'George didn’t finish his A levels, but he is very astute and has a good financial brain. He comes from the landed gentry and money has never been an issue.' The source added that Cottrell sees Farage as a 'father figure' and even refers to him as 'daddy'. They said: 'He calls Nigel “Daddy”; he considers him his role model in life. That’s the dynamic of the relationship.'
Contributions Under Scrutiny
According to the Sunday Times, Cottrell's contributions towards security and social media staff who worked on Farage’s online content in the year before he was elected have raised questions. The publication also claims Farage used a property rented by Cottrell near Buckingham Palace. Reform denies any funding rules were broken. Robert Jenrick, Reform’s Treasury spokesman, told the BBC that Farage did not need to register the support as he received it in a 'purely personal capacity' before becoming an MP. Farage stated he had 'done no wrongdoing' and followed the rules. The Liberal Democrats have asked the parliamentary standards commissioner to investigate.
Cottrell's Legal Issues and Lifestyle
Cottrell was jailed for eight months in the US in 2017 after pleading guilty to wire fraud for attempting to defraud criminals on the dark web by posing as a money launderer. After his release, he returned to the UK and dated Made In Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo. The source claimed Cottrell lost millions betting in Croatia recently but seemed able to absorb any losses. They said: 'He’s got money for sure. He is a charismatic guy; he often has business meetings with wealthy hedge funds.'
Business and Political Ties
According to the Sunday Times, Cottrell is a cryptocurrency entrepreneur and involved with the offshore gambling website Tether.bet. He reportedly helped Farage negotiate his £1.5 million fee for appearing on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!, which was won by his ex, Georgia. The source added: 'Nigel trusts him. The relationship works; there is a genuine affinity. George wants to help him and shares his political vision.'
A spokesman for Farage said: 'It comes as no surprise that the Sunday Times has chosen to publish this baseless and contrived story, covering a period of time when Nigel Farage was not even an active politician, let alone an elected one. Contrary to the story’s tone, no parliamentary rules have been broken.'
