UK police examine £500,000 in pre-election donations to Reform UK
Metropolitan Police are examining two £250,000 payments made to Reform UK through a company controlled by deputy leader Richard Tice before Britain’s 2024 general election.
Britain’s Metropolitan Police are investigating two £250,000 donations made to Reform UK before the 2024 general election through a company controlled by the party’s deputy leader, Richard Tice.
The payments were made by Britain Means Business, where Tice is the sole director. The Guardian reported that Fiona Cottrell transferred £1 million to the company shortly before about half of the money was passed to Reform UK. Two separate £250,000 donations that Cottrell made directly to the party are also within the scope of the inquiry.
Police said the investigation began in February 2025 after a referral from the Electoral Commission and concerns alleged offences under section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. Two people have been interviewed under caution, no arrests have been made, and investigators have sought early advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.
Reform UK said it follows Electoral Commission rules and carries out stringent checks on donations. Tice said he had not previously heard that the payments were being examined and characterized reporting about the matter as politically motivated. An investigation does not establish wrongdoing, and police have not announced charges.
