Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin accepted £6,000 from a businessman whose waste company is being investigated by the competition watchdog over a suspected cartel. Jonathan Gaskell, who has twice been jailed, made the donation in May this year.
CMA probe into Gaskells
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating three waste firms, including Gaskells (North West) Ltd, over suspected anti-competitive conduct. The probe began in June last year, and Gaskells' premises were searched between 24 June and 2 July 2025.
According to the government website, the case is described as a civil cartel investigation. The CMA has not yet decided whether there is enough evidence to issue a statement of objections.
Gaskell's criminal past
Gaskell was jailed for eight months in 2018 after an employee was crushed while clearing a machine blockage. In 2013, he received a four-month sentence for paying to have driving licence points wiped in a scam.
Donation declared
Pochin's register of interests shows the donation from Gaskell, with an end date of April 10. Reform UK said: "The donation was properly declared under House of Commons rules by a permissible donor and was made to support Sarah's work as a local MP."
Asked whether Pochin knew about the CMA probe when she accepted the donation, Reform did not answer. Gaskells and Pochin were contacted for comment.
