The Guardian reports that convicted fraudster George Cottrell transferred more than $2m to his mother, Fiona Cottrell, in the days before her 2024 donations to Reform UK. Reform figure Robert Jenrick declined to answer questions on the transfers.
Key facts
- George Cottrell transferred a total of more than $2m to his mother, Fiona Cottrell, according to the Guardian.
- Fiona Cottrell received one deposit of $1.4m and two tranches of more than $300,000 each.
- Financial industry sources said the transfers arrived 24-72 hours before her donations to Reform UK.
- Fiona Cottrell attributed the money to her son when bankers asked about the deposits.
- Robert Jenrick said Reform was certain all rules were followed and directed questions to Cottrell.
The convicted fraudster George Cottrell transferred a total of more than $2m to his mother, Fiona Cottrell, in the days before her 2024 donations to Reform UK, according to the Guardian.
Financial industry sources told the Guardian that Fiona Cottrell received one deposit of $1.4m and two further tranches of more than $300,000 each. When bankers asked about the deposits, she attributed the money to having come from her son, George.
The sources said the transfers were received 24 to 72 hours before Fiona Cottrell made her donations to Reform UK, the Guardian reported.
The revelations were put to Robert Jenrick during a political interview. Asked by ITV’s Romilly Weeks why George Cottrell gave $2m to his mother shortly before she made substantial donations to the party, Jenrick said Reform was certain all the rules were followed.
Jenrick added that any questions for Cottrell would have to be directed to him. He also commented on a separate matter, saying it seemed curious that police had chosen not to take action in one case and that he was hearing police may have closed an investigation.
The Guardian described its account as an exclusive based on sources within the financial industry. No further detail on the nature of the transfers or the specific dates of the donations was provided in the reporting.
Why it matters
Questions about the source of political donations touch on transparency and the rules governing party funding. The reported link between a convicted fraudster's money and donations to Reform UK raises scrutiny over how the funds were declared and whether the party's assurances hold up.
Frequently asked questions
How much did George Cottrell transfer to his mother?
According to the Guardian, he transferred a total of more than $2m, comprising one deposit of $1.4m and two tranches of more than $300,000 each.
When did the transfers happen relative to the donations?
Financial industry sources told the Guardian the transfers were received 24 to 72 hours before Fiona Cottrell's donations to Reform UK.
How did Reform respond to the reports?
Robert Jenrick said Reform was certain all the rules were followed and that any questions for Cottrell would have to be directed to him.