Reform UK Clears Officials of Illegal Foreign Donation Schemes
Reform UK concluded an internal probe finding no laws were broken regarding foreign donations, though the Metropolitan Police continue a separate criminal investigation.
An internal investigation by Reform UK concluded that the party did not breach electoral laws despite undercover footage showing senior figures discussing ways to disguise foreign donations. The 27-page report, published Wednesday, cleared head of policy James Orr and press adviser Dan Jukes of illegal activity, stating that no funds were ever accepted and the party did not commission the polls in question.
While the probe found no evidence of law-breaking, it criticized the officials for making "wrong, careless" and "untrue" statements, describing their conduct as "foolish" and "unwise." James Orr was faulted for condescending remarks about the Electoral Commission, while Dan Jukes was criticized for describing lawful polling arrangements as "clandestine." Both officials remain suspended as the Metropolitan Police conduct a separate ongoing inquiry into the party's donations and the footage provided by Channel 4 News.
In response to the controversy, Reform UK announced new rules requiring written notification of proposed donations and mandatory background checks before meetings. The party also announced intentions to take legal action against Verbatim Investigations, alleging the production company acted unlawfully. Labour Party Chairwoman Bridget Phillipson dismissed the internal report as a "whitewash," arguing that it fails to exonerate party leader Nigel Farage from the allegations.
