Britain's hard-right Reform UK party is facing new questions about financial gifts after a report revealed that police are investigating donations from the mother of a convicted fraudster. The Metropolitan Police in London confirmed an inquiry into approximately £500,000 ($670,000) in donations from Fiona Cottrell, a wealthy aristocrat, made before the July 2024 general election.
Police Investigation Details
The Times reported on Thursday that the Metropolitan Police opened an investigation in February 2025 following a referral from the Electoral Commission, the UK's election and political finance regulator. A police spokesperson stated that two individuals have been interviewed under caution, and early investigative advice has been sought from prosecutors. No arrests have been made so far.
Fiona Cottrell is the mother of George Cottrell, a 32-year-old crypto entrepreneur convicted of fraud in the United States in 2017. The donations under scrutiny were made before the last general election, when Reform leader Nigel Farage became a member of parliament for the first time.
Nigel Farage's Legal Scrutiny
Farage is already facing separate investigations into alleged undeclared gifts from George Cottrell, as revealed by the Sunday Times. He also faces a parliamentary probe over a £5 million ($6.6 million) donation from Thailand-based cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne. Farage denies wrongdoing in all cases.
The parliamentary investigation was suspended after Farage announced his resignation as MP for Clacton on Tuesday, triggering a by-election. The probe is expected to resume if he wins back the seat, which is widely anticipated.
By-Election Set for August 13
Tendring District Council, which oversees the Clacton constituency, announced on Friday that the by-election will take place on August 13. Candidates must submit nominations between July 14 and 17. Farage, a 62-year-old former commodity broker, has framed the contest as a 'people versus the establishment' fight.
The main political parties are refusing to field candidates, viewing the by-election as a stunt. This leaves self-described 'intergalactic space warrior' Count Binface, known for his trash-can-shaped head and long cape, as the highest-profile opponent confirmed to stand against Farage.
Party Response
Reform deputy leader Richard Tice on Friday called the reports regarding Fiona Cottrell a 'politically motivated smear' against the party. Reform, an anti-immigration group that has led the ruling Labour party in opinion polls for over a year, is facing intense scrutiny over several alleged undeclared donations.
