Labour says Reform is ‘up to its neck in sleaze’ and demands donations inquiry

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 31, 2026

Labour has demanded an investigation into Reform UK’s acceptance of donations potentially linked to convicted fraudster George Cottrell, following reports that funds were funneled through his mother before being given to the party. The probe, involving the Electoral Commission and Metropolitan Police, could determine if Reform breached electoral laws by disguising the true source of these contributions ahead of the 2024 general election.

Labour has called for an urgent investigation into donations made to Reform UK amid allegations the party may have accepted funds linked to a convicted fraudster. Bridget Phillipson, Labour’s new chair, urged the Electoral Commission to examine whether the party complied with rules governing permissible political donations, following revelations that substantial sums were transferred from George Cottrell to his mother before she made donations to Reform.

According to financial sources, Cottrell, a close associate of Nigel Farage and a former fraud convict, transferred over $2 million (£1.48 million) to his mother, Fiona Cottrell, in the days prior to her contributions to Reform UK in 2024. These funds were then donated either directly to Reform or through Britain Means Business, a fundraising entity associated with the party. The Metropolitan Police are already probing whether Reform concealed or disguised the true source of these donations, following a referral by the Electoral Commission.

In her letter to the commission, Phillipson highlighted concerns about whether Reform correctly identified the origin of the donations and adhered to relevant electoral laws. A Labour spokesperson stated that if the reports are accurate, Reform may have accepted money from a convicted fraudster who had not demonstrated legal eligibility to donate. The spokesperson accused the party of disregarding electoral regulations and called for full transparency regarding the party’s funding.

Reform’s economics spokesperson, Robert Jenrick, declined to directly address the allegations during a press briefing, emphasizing confidence that the party complied with all electoral rules. He noted that Reform had not been contacted by the police and suggested journalists direct questions to George Cottrell. Jenrick also sought to refocus attention on social care policy, the intended topic of the event.

The ongoing investigation includes scrutiny of donations funneled through Britain Means Business, whose director is Reform’s deputy leader Richard Tice. The firm made two donations of £250,000 to Reform in the lead-up to the 2024 general election, information first reported earlier this year. Cottrell, now residing in Montenegro, has appeared publicly with Farage and was previously described as Farage’s chief of staff, a role the party disputes, characterizing him instead as a volunteer.

Legal representatives for Cottrell declined further comment on the transactions but previously stated that any political donations made by his mother were her own decision. Fiona Cottrell has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

A Reform spokesperson reiterated the party’s commitment to strict vetting of donations, asserting compliance with Electoral Commission guidelines under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. Meanwhile, Farage is campaigning in a by-election after resigning as MP for Clacton. Other major parties have opted not to field candidates against him, though the ballot includes numerous contenders, including several novelty candidates.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.