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Reform UK clears officials of breaching foreign donation rules despite police inquiry

Party's internal report finds no breach while Met investigation continues

By LineZotpaper
Published
Updated
Read Time2 min
Sources2 outlets
Reform UK has cleared two senior officials of breaking laws that ban foreign donations, despite the matter remaining under police investigation. An internal party inquiry found no breach of funding rules by Nigel Farage's press adviser and the party's head of policy, who were filmed discussing a scheme involving a US donor.

Reform UK has cleared two senior officials of breaking laws that ban foreign donations, even though the matter remains under police investigation. The party published a 27-page report of an internal inquiry by its legal secretary and general secretary, finding that Dan Jukes, Nigel Farage's press adviser, and James Orr, its head of policy, had not breached funding rules.

Party sources said they intended to pursue legal action against the undercover reporting group Verbatim, whose footage led to the investigation and was broadcast by Channel 4 News. Police have been investigating potential offences under electoral law since the broadcast in early September, saying they would widen an existing special inquiry relating to donations made to Reform. Jukes and Orr will remain suspended by the party while the police inquiry is ongoing.

The two men were filmed talking about a scheme in which a US donor paid for three polls with favourable narratives for Reform, costing more than £30,000. Donations from overseas sources are not allowed under political funding laws. The internal findings put the party at odds with the Metropolitan Police, which continues to examine whether any offences were committed.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The story tests whether political parties can credibly investigate themselves over alleged breaches of funding rules.
  • It involves the core principle that overseas money must not influence UK elections.
  • The police inquiry remains open, so the outcome could have further consequences for Reform UK.

Background

UK law bars political parties from accepting donations from overseas sources. Undercover investigations have previously led to suspensions and police inquiries. In this case, a US donor reportedly paid for polls with favourable narratives for Reform, which would fall outside the rules if the payments amounted to donations.

Key Perspectives

Reform UK: The party's internal inquiry found no breach of funding rules, and it plans legal action against the campaign group that recorded the footage. The Metropolitan Police: Scotland Yard is investigating potential electoral law offences and has widened an existing inquiry into donations made to Reform. Critics and sceptics: A party-appointed panel clearing its own officials may carry little weight while an independent police investigation is ongoing, and the suspensions remain in place.

What to Watch

  • Whether the Metropolitan Police's inquiry leads to charges against either official.
  • Whether Reform releases the full internal report or additional detail about its findings.
  • The status of the suspensions of Dan Jukes and James Orr while the police investigation continues.

Sources

Zotpaper

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