Reform UK Payments Under Police Investigation: Key Details 2026

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.

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.”

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

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.