Metropolitan Police probe £500,000 Reform UK donations

The Metropolitan Police is investigating at least 500,000 pounds in donations made to Reform UK ahead of the 2024 general election, according to reports. The investigation, which began in February 2025, focuses on potential offences related to evading restrictions on political donations.

Police are examining two payments of 250,000 pounds each reportedly made by Fiona Cottrell to Reform UK in May 2024. The investigation is understood to be looking into allegations of concealing or disguising donations from an impermissible donor, or the use of false information about a donation's source or amount. A police spokesperson confirmed detectives from the Special Enquiry Team are investigating alleged offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. Two people have been interviewed under caution, and early investigative advice has been sought from the Crown Prosecution Service. No arrests have been made.

The investigation follows a referral from the Electoral Commission. The commission stated it had no further comment on the ongoing police matter. Fiona Cottrell is the mother of George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster who served eight months in a U.S. prison...