Reform UK has suspended two officials, James Orr and Dan Jukes, after a Channel 4 News undercover investigation into party donations, with Nigel Farage conceding their comments 'don't look good'.
Key facts
- James Orr and Dan Jukes, aides to Nigel Farage, stepped down after a Channel 4 News investigation.
- Nigel Farage admitted the officials' comments 'don't look good'.
- The Electoral Commission said it is in touch with the Met police over the undercover investigation.
- The Electoral Commission said it has not approved the donor vetting process for Reform or any other party.
Two officials working as aides to Nigel Farage have stepped down from their roles following an undercover investigation by Channel 4 News into Reform UK’s handling of donations, according to the Guardian’s UK politics live coverage.
The officials, named as James Orr and Dan Jukes, left their positions after the broadcaster’s investigation. Farage acknowledged that their comments captured during the sting ‘don’t look good’.
The Electoral Commission issued a statement addressing the matter, saying it is examining the situation in line with its regulatory role. ‘We are considering all relevant information, in line with our regulatory remit, and we are in touch with the Met police,’ the commission said.
The commission also stressed that it plays no role in approving how parties vet those who give them money. ‘The Electoral Commission has not approved the donor vetting process for Reform, or any other party,’ it said, adding that parties are themselves responsible for ensuring their internal processes and controls are fit for purpose.
The developments came amid other political news covered in the same briefing, including British ministers hitting back after the Argentinian president said ‘winds of change’ favourable to his country’s claim to the Falklands were ‘blowing around the world’, as reported by Kiran Stacey.
The Guardian’s coverage indicated the story was continuing to develop, with the party’s response and any potential regulatory or police action still unfolding.
Why it matters
Questions about how political parties vet and handle donations go to the heart of transparency in UK democracy. With the Electoral Commission now in contact with the Met police, the outcome could carry significant consequences for Reform UK and set expectations for how parties police their own funding.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the two officials who stepped down from Reform UK?
They are James Orr and Dan Jukes, both aides to Nigel Farage, who stepped down after an undercover investigation by Channel 4 News.
Is the Electoral Commission investigating Reform UK?
The Electoral Commission said it is considering all relevant information in line with its regulatory remit and is in touch with the Met police over the undercover investigation.
Does the Electoral Commission approve party donor vetting?
No. The commission said it has not approved the donor vetting process for Reform or any other party, and that parties are responsible for ensuring their own processes are fit for purpose.