Reform UK official had doubts over donations

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 21, 2026

A senior Reform UK official expressed concerns about the legality of large donations from billionaire backers Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo before the party received £72 million from them. The remarks highlight potential challenges posed by new donation limits and have intensified scrutiny of the party's funding amid ongoing debates on political finance transparency.

A senior official at Reform UK expressed concerns about the legality of large donations from billionaire backers Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo prior to the party receiving £72 million from them. The remarks, captured in undercover footage recorded by the investigative group Verbatim, date back to approximately three months before the donations were made.

James Orr, who at the time served as head of policy for Reform UK and held an academic position at Cambridge University, discussed potential legal difficulties related to future contributions from Harborne and Delo with an individual posing as a prospective donor. In the conversation, Orr referred to the need to "fill the war chest in anticipation" of upcoming restrictions on donations and described the anticipated rules as an effort by the political establishment to "kneecap" Reform UK.

The referenced proposed regulations include a new cap on foreign donations, which could impact the acceptance of funds from overseas benefactors. Orr’s statements suggest awareness within the party of potential challenges posed by such legislative changes.

Following the public release of some of Verbatim's undercover material on Channel 4, James Orr was suspended from his role as Reform UK's head of policy last month. The footage broadcast included segments where Orr appeared to make contentious remarks regarding party strategy and funding.

Reform UK has faced scrutiny over its significant financial backing by Harborne and Delo, both known for their wealth and involvement in various political and business ventures. The party’s rapid financial growth fueled speculation about external influence and regulatory compliance amid evolving campaign finance laws.

No formal determination has been made regarding any legal violations stemming from these donations, and Reform UK has not publicly detailed its response to the concerns raised in the recordings. The development adds to ongoing debates about transparency and accountability in political party financing ahead of upcoming election cycles.

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