Reform donations have come under renewed scrutiny after the Metropolitan Police confirmed an investigation into payments linked to a company controlled by Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice. Meanwhile, Reform donations remain at the center of political debate as detectives continue examining transactions made before the 2024 general election. Authorities stressed that the investigation remains ongoing while political parties exchanged fresh criticism over the issue.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed it launched the investigation in February 2025 after receiving a referral from the Electoral Commission. Detectives are examining alleged offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. The inquiry focuses on donations made to a political party before the 2024 general election. Officers have interviewed two people under caution but have made no arrests. The force also confirmed that investigators sought early legal advice from prosecutors as the inquiry progressed. Police explained that the Electoral Commission referred the case because the alleged offence falls outside its investigative powers.
The investigation centers on donations connected to Britain Means Business, a fundraising company controlled by Richard Tice. The company donated two payments of $250,000 each to Reform UK before the general election. Tice previously said donor Fiona Cottrell transferred the money to the company. He explained that the company later passed part of those funds to Reform UK. Reports indicate Cottrell donated about $1 million to Britain Means Business in June 2024. Half of that amount later reached Reform UK through the company. However, police have not accused Tice or any other individual of committing an offence. Detectives continue reviewing the available evidence while the investigation remains active.
Tice rejected suggestions of wrongdoing and questioned why reports emerged before investigators contacted those involved. He said he had not received official notification about the investigation. Furthermore, he argued that political opponents were attempting to damage Reform UK’s reputation. A Reform UK spokesperson also defended the party’s financial procedures. The party said it carefully reviews every donation before accepting contributions. It added that officials follow all Electoral Commission rules governing political donations.
Meanwhile, opposition parties increased pressure on Reform UK after police confirmed the investigation. Labour representatives argued the inquiry raises serious questions about the party’s financial practices. They claimed recent controversies have continued overshadowing Reform UK’s funding arrangements.
The investigation also renewed attention on Fiona Cottrell. She is the mother of George Cottrell, who previously supported Nigel Farage’s political operations. However, police have not suggested that family connection forms part of the current investigation. Tice defended Fiona Cottrell’s eligibility to donate. He said his family has known the Cottrell family for decades. He also maintained that she qualified as a permissible donor under existing rules.
Meanwhile, Reform donations continue attracting political attention as investigators work through the evidence. The Metropolitan Police have not announced when the investigation will conclude. Officials also declined to speculate about possible future action. For now, detectives continue examining the transactions while political debate surrounding Reform donations continues across Westminster.
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