The Metropolitan Police have opened an investigation into allegations that Reform UK broke electoral law relating to overseas donations, following an undercover sting broadcast by Channel 4.
Key facts
- The Met police will investigate allegations that Reform UK broke electoral law on overseas donations.
- The inquiry follows allegations broadcast by Channel 4 after an undercover sting.
- Reporters from Verbatim posed as a foreign donor seeking to fund Reform.
- Scotland Yard confirmed the investigation forms part of a wider inquiry.
The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into allegations that Reform UK broke electoral law relating to overseas donations, Scotland Yard confirmed. The move forms part of a wider inquiry, according to the Guardian.
The force said it was investigating after the allegations were broadcast by Channel 4. The claims emerged from an undercover sting carried out by reporters from Verbatim, who posed as a foreign donor seeking to fund Reform UK.
UK electoral law places restrictions on donations from overseas sources, and the allegations centre on whether Reform UK plotted to circumvent those rules. The Met’s confirmation indicates the matter is being treated as a formal police inquiry rather than a preliminary assessment.
The development came amid a busy day in Westminster. Alex Burghart, the deputy Tory leader, was giving interviews on the morning of 9 September, opening a new line of attack against the government on the issue of Israel.
Speaking to GB News, Burghart accused Labour of hypocrisy, saying that at the same time the party was making statements about Israel in the House of Commons, it had put out a communique describing a conversation between Andy Burnham and the Chinese president that emphasised a desire to work constructively with China.
The Guardian reported both stories as part of its rolling politics coverage. The exact details of the alleged donation scheme, and any response from Reform UK, were not set out in the available reporting.
Why it matters
Rules on overseas donations are a core safeguard against foreign influence in British politics, so a police investigation into a major party carries significant weight. The outcome could have implications for how political funding is scrutinised and enforced.
Frequently asked questions
Who is investigating Reform UK?
The Metropolitan Police, also known as Scotland Yard, have confirmed they are investigating the allegations as part of a wider inquiry.
What triggered the investigation?
The investigation follows allegations broadcast by Channel 4 after an undercover sting by reporters from Verbatim, who posed as a foreign donor seeking to fund Reform UK.
What law is at the centre of the allegations?
The allegations relate to UK electoral law on overseas donations, which the reporting says Reform UK is accused of plotting to break.