The Metropolitan police have launched an investigation into Reform UK payments first revealed by the Guardian, focusing on two £250,000 donations made via a company controlled by deputy leader Richard Tice. The inquiry also examines direct donations from Fiona Cottrell, whose son George is a convicted fraudster with ties to Nigel Farage.
Scope of the Investigation into Reform UK Donations
Scotland Yard is scrutinizing payments of £250,000 each made to Reform UK by Britain Means Business, a company solely directed by Richard Tice. These donations occurred weeks before the 2024 general election. The Guardian reported that Fiona Cottrell transferred £1 million to Britain Means Business shortly before the party received half of that amount.
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Key Individuals Involved
Fiona Cottrell and her son George have been interviewed under criminal caution as part of the police probe. George Cottrell has a known criminal record for fraud and maintains close links to Reform leader Nigel Farage. Richard Tice, elected to parliament after the election, has dismissed the allegations as a “politically motivated smear campaign.”
| Donation Source | Amount | Recipient | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Britain Means Business (via Fiona Cottrell transfer) | £500,000 (half of £1M transfer) | Reform UK | Under investigation |
| Fiona Cottrell (direct donations) | £500,000 (two £250,000 payments) | Reform UK | Under investigation |
Background of the Suspicious Activity Report
The original £1 million transfer from Fiona Cottrell to Britain Means Business was flagged by bankers via a suspicious activity report (SAR) to the National Crime Agency (NCA). SARs are not criminal charges but are used to identify potential money laundering. The Guardian understands that neither the NCA nor the banks have traced the source of the initial £1 million.
- Met police investigation covers both company and direct donations.
- Richard Tice is the sole director of Britain Means Business.
- George Cottrell’s fraud conviction and ties to Nigel Farage raise further questions.
- No charges have been filed; the probe is ongoing.
Reactions from Reform UK Leadership
In response to a BBC query, Richard Tice stated: “This is the first I have heard of it – if true why are the Met police briefing the BBC before contacting interested parties?” He accused the Met leadership of engaging in a “widespread politically motivated smear campaign against Reform and its leaders.” Fiona Cottrell has not publicly commented.
FAQ
What is the Reform UK payments investigation about?
The Metropolitan police are investigating two £250,000 donations made to Reform UK via Britain Means Business, a company controlled by deputy leader Richard Tice, and direct donations from Fiona Cottrell totaling £500,000. The probe was triggered by a suspicious activity report.
Who is Fiona Cottrell and why is she involved?
Fiona Cottrell is the mother of George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster with close links to Nigel Farage. She transferred £1 million to Britain Means Business, which then passed half to Reform UK. She has been interviewed under criminal caution.
Has Richard Tice been charged with any crime?
No. Richard Tice has not been charged. He has denied any wrongdoing and described the police investigation as a politically motivated smear campaign.
The investigation continues, and further updates are expected as the Metropolitan police review the evidence. For now, the Reform UK donations remain a focal point of political and legal scrutiny.
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