Reform officials ‘plotted to break law on foreign donations’ in undercover film
Investigation broadcast by Channel 4 News shows man posing as ‘impermissible donor’ paying for polling that helped Reform
TL;DR
- Reform UK is facing criticism after an undercover investigation by Channel 4 News.
- Footage appears to show party officials discussing methods to circumvent electoral laws on foreign donations.
- A fake UK-based supporter, posing as a donor, paid for £30,000 of polling commissioned by Reform.
- The polling was reportedly not attributed to Reform and the foreign source of funding was not disclosed.
- Nigel Farage was filmed appearing to celebrate the success of the poll with the fake US donor.
- Reform UK denies wrongdoing, stating they were targeted by a 'hoax' and have a robust vetting process.
- The investigation adds to existing scrutiny of Reform's finances, which are subject to a standards inquiry and police investigation.
- The party is set to boast of record donations at its conference, including a £4m donation from a crypto billionaire pardoned by Donald Trump.
- Reform UK's reliance on mega-donors and the new £100,000 annual cap on overseas funders are highlighted.