Reform UK has directed its councillors to characterise an ongoing police investigation into party donations as an establishment attempt to undermine the party, according to leaked internal documents. The briefing materials, circulated among the party’s local government representatives, advise them to dismiss questions about the Metropolitan Police inquiry as politically motivated.

The police investigation focuses on donations exceeding £500,000 made to Reform UK by Fiona Cottrell, the mother of George Cottrell, a known crypto-gambler and convicted fraudster. An earlier investigation revealed that George Cottrell has been secretly funding Nigel Farage, the party’s former leader. Reports indicate that George Cottrell was interviewed under caution by officers as part of the Metropolitan Police’s criminal inquiry.

The parliamentary commissioner for standards had also opened a separate investigation into Cottrell’s financial support for Farage, as well as a previous undisclosed £5 million donation from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne. These parliamentary inquiries were paused following Farage’s resignation and his announcement of a by-election in his parliamentary seat of Clacton, Essex.

The internal party briefing offers detailed guidance on how councillors should respond to media scrutiny surrounding Farage’s finances and his connection to Cottrell. One section addresses allegations concerning George Cottrell distributing Reform UK-branded business cards bearing Farage’s contact information. Councillors were instructed to assert that Cottrell holds no official position within the party and that the cards were merely intended to facilitate communication with Farage’s office.

Regarding questions about the financial burden of the by-election on local authorities, councillors were advised to emphasise that such costs are reimbursed by the Treasury. Reform UK has reportedly offered to cover the entire expense either by directly reimbursing Tendring District Council or by making a voluntary payment to HM Revenue and Customs. The party maintains that voters in Clacton should decide Farage’s political future, rather than the media or parliamentary bodies.

A Reform UK spokesperson reiterated the party’s stance, accusing the media and establishment of mounting "a daily routine of hit jobs and smears" aimed at preventing Reform from winning the next general election. The spokesperson said the party would not be deterred by such efforts.

George Cottrell’s legal representatives declined to comment on his financial matters or any specific transactions related to the investigation. The Metropolitan Police and parliamentary standards authorities have not commented beyond confirming the existence of ongoing inquiries.