George Cottrell, a convicted criminal and cryptocurrency trader, has been distributing business cards bearing the Reform UK logo and Nigel Farage’s official email address despite having no formal role within the party, according to recent revelations. Cottrell, 32, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud in the United States and served time in prison, has been closely linked to Farage for over a decade and is reported to have provided significant financial and logistical support to the Reform UK leader.
The issue came to light following an investigation that prompted Farage to be referred to the parliamentary commissioner for standards. The inquiry centers on whether Farage properly declared benefits received from Cottrell, including staffing, security services, and the use of a five-storey Georgian townhouse. Under parliamentary rules in effect at the time, newly elected MPs were required to disclose gifts valued above £300 received in the previous year unless such gifts were unrelated to political activities.
Robert Jenrick, a member of Parliament for Newark who recently joined Reform UK from the Conservative Party, downplayed the allegations, describing them as “muck-raking.” Jenrick contended that as Cottrell is a personal friend of Farage’s, there was no obligation to report the support received, particularly as it occurred before Farage was elected to Parliament.
However, a copy of one of Cottrell’s business cards obtained during the investigation features his name alongside the official Reform UK logo, raising questions about his purported lack of formal role within the party’s leadership. The cards were reportedly handed out at an event last year, potentially suggesting an official capacity.
Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde and Cardiff West MP Alex Barros-Curtis have both written to Daniel Greenberg, the parliamentary commissioner for standards, urging an investigation into Farage’s adherence to the MPs’ code of conduct. Babarinde highlighted concerns over Farage’s transparency, asserting that the public deserves clarity regarding the nature of his relationship with Cottrell.
Farage has denied any wrongdoing, characterizing the investigation as an “establishment hit job” aimed at undermining Reform UK. He stated he followed all rules and is currently considering legal action against the investigating newspaper. Farage also emphasized his intent to challenge what he described as the “cosy consensus” of the political establishment.
Recent disclosures have also revealed Farage’s extensive property portfolio valued at £4 million and connections between Reform UK’s largest donor, Christopher Harborne, and companies involved in supplying aircraft fuel derived from Russian crude oil. Health Secretary James Murray has publicly stated that Farage has “a lot of questions to answer” about his financial arrangements, criticizing his approach to transparency.
Reform UK responded to the allegations by asserting that Cottrell’s business card was merely a practical tool for facilitating communication with Farage’s office and that Cottrell has never claimed to hold an official party position. Legal representatives for Cottrell echoed this view, confirming that he remains an unpaid volunteer without any formal role within Reform UK.