Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK and Member of Parliament for Boston and Skegness, is under formal investigation by Parliament’s standards watchdog over allegations of failing to declare an interest related to Israel during a debate in Westminster Hall. The inquiry was opened on July 28 and is being conducted by Daniel Greenberg, the parliamentary commissioner for standards.
The complaint centers on whether Tice should have referenced his register of interests at the outset of a debate on UK democracy and Israeli influence. Tice has characterized the complaint as politically motivated, attributing it to an "antisemitic anti-Israel lobby group," a claim he made on social media without identifying the specific organization. He denied wrongdoing and criticized media coverage on the matter.
Under Rule Six of the MPs’ code of conduct, members are required to be “open and frank” in declaring any relevant interests during House proceedings, committee work, and communications with public officials. The standards watchdog generally does not disclose specific details of investigations until they conclude.
This inquiry follows a previous decision by the watchdog to decline investigating another complaint against Tice related to an undeclared loan of approximately £78,100 from George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster, reportedly to one of Tice’s companies. Tice has stated that loans linked to his property business activities are not subject to declaration under parliamentary rules and affirmed that all his shareholdings and directorships have been properly registered.
The investigation into Tice comes amid additional scrutiny of Reform UK, whose leader Nigel Farage is facing a separate parliamentary probe concerning a £5 million donation from Christopher Harborne, a Thailand-based crypto entrepreneur. That inquiry was suspended after Farage resigned his Clacton parliamentary seat but may resume if he contests and wins the forthcoming by-election.
The Labour Party has criticized Reform UK, citing ongoing "sleaze scandals" involving both Farage and Tice, and highlighting other issues including reports of tax avoidance and funding linked to convicted fraudsters. Furthermore, the Metropolitan Police are investigating donations made to Reform UK through entities connected to Tice, following revelations of donations routed via a company controlled by him and transfers from Fiona Cottrell amounting to around £1 million.
Reform UK representatives have not provided further comment beyond Tice’s statements. The parliamentary commissioner for standards will continue to assess the complaint, and any outcome will be publicly released upon conclusion of the investigation.