Labour Demands Answers as Reform Deputy Faces Tax Allegations
Labour has launched a fierce attack on Reform UK, declaring that deputy leader Richard Tice's "credibility is in tatters" following allegations that his companies failed to pay almost £100,000 in corporation tax. Party chair Anna Turley has called on Reform chief Nigel Farage to urgently explain why the multi-millionaire businessman remains his second-in-command.
Allegations of Unpaid Corporation Tax
According to reports from The Sunday Times, Mr Tice operated four shell companies that did not pay any tax on profits between 2020 and 2022. The newspaper claimed these entities were established solely to receive dividends from Tice's property investment firm and transfer the funds to their parent company. During the period from March 2020 to May 2022, it is alleged that Tisun Investments Ltd transferred approximately £1,113,000 to Reform UK.
Anna Turley stated emphatically: "This is a major scandal that's not going away. Tice has called for others to resign over tax errors that involved less money than this." She highlighted what she described as hypocrisy, noting that Mr Tice had previously demanded the resignation of former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner over a £40,000 stamp duty discrepancy.
Reform's Defense and Political Fallout
In response to the allegations, Richard Tice—who also serves as Reform's business spokesman—asserted that he is "always happy to put things right" and will pay any amounts owed "if numbers need rechecking." He defended his extensive business career, stating he has taken professional tax advice throughout and paid everything he was advised to pay.
Reform MP Robert Jenrick came to Mr Tice's defense during an appearance on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. Jenrick described Tice as a "very successful businessman" who has created thousands of jobs and paid millions in taxes over a 40-year career. He claimed Tice believes he may have actually overpaid taxes through personal taxation rather than corporate channels.
However, the Liberal Democrats have joined Labour in calling for immediate investigation by HMRC. The political pressure is mounting as the controversy unfolds just weeks before local elections.
Tice's Statement and Broader Implications
In a detailed statement on social media platform X, Richard Tice elaborated on his position:
- He emphasized his four-decade business career spanning 12 countries and three continents
- He noted his role as director of more than 150 companies
- He highlighted creating thousands of homes and jobs while generating substantial tax revenue
- He argued that tax efficiency represents a basic corporate responsibility to shareholders
Tice further contended that "the relentless effort to tarnish my good name" deters successful business people from entering politics. He pointed to what he described as a Labour Cabinet devoid of business experience, linking this to economic stagnation and declining public services.
The Reform deputy concluded by stating he would no longer engage with The Sunday Times on the matter, focusing instead on his constituents and campaigning for upcoming local elections. This developing story continues to generate significant political controversy as all parties position themselves ahead of crucial electoral tests.
