Reform UK has directed its local councillors to dismiss a police investigation into party donations as a coordinated effort by the establishment to undermine the party, amid a significant decline in its popularity. Internal briefing documents circulated to members advise them to characterise the inquiry into donations from Fiona Cottrell, mother of George Cottrell—a convicted fraudster and close associate of former Reform leader Nigel Farage—as part of an attempt to hinder Reform’s political progress.
The Metropolitan Police are investigating donations totalling £500,000 made by Fiona Cottrell to Reform UK. This follows previous scrutiny surrounding Farage’s finances, including revelations that he received a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne prior to the last general election. That gift is currently under a parliamentary standards inquiry, and the Conservative Party has requested HM Revenue and Customs to determine whether Farage was liable for tax on the donation. Farage is also subject to a separate inquiry related to allegations of breaching parliamentary rules through financial support linked to Cottrell.
Recent polling by YouGov indicates a sharp drop in Farage’s public approval amid these ongoing financial and ethical questions. Only 22% of respondents hold a positive view of him, while 68% view him negatively, resulting in a net favourability rating of -46. This level of unpopularity is comparable to figures recorded during Boris Johnson’s "partygate" controversy and Keir Starmer’s resignation period. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch maintains relatively higher popularity within her party, with a net approval of -11, the best in over five years.
In contrast, the Labour Party appears to be gaining momentum under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who assumed office on Monday. Polling by YouGov and More in Common shows Labour’s approval rising, with Burnham achieving a personal net approval rating of +13, surpassing Starmer’s highest ratings. Labour currently trails Reform by just two percentage points in voting intention at 21%, with the Conservatives at 20%.
Burnham’s early actions as prime minister include a package aimed at easing the cost of living. Measures introduced include a cut to VAT on electricity bills starting in October, capping bus fares at £2, and providing a 20% discount on business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues as part of a £100 million support plan. While questions have been raised about the funding for these initiatives, the government insists they are fully financed.
Farage resigned as MP for Clacton earlier this month, prompting a by-election in the constituency. Reform UK has advised its councillors on how to respond to public concerns regarding the cost of the election. They have been instructed to state that the cost is reimbursed by the Treasury and that Reform has offered to cover the full expense either directly or through a voluntary payment to HMRC. The party emphasises that voters in Clacton will decide Farage’s political legacy rather than media or parliamentary processes, which they describe as biased.
The by-election has attracted a record number of candidates for a modern contest—34 in total—including Count Binface. Major parties have opted to boycott the election, leaving Reform as the principal contender in Clacton.