The Metropolitan Police are reportedly investigating at least £500,000 in donations made to Reform UK, which were provided by the mother of a convicted fraudster. The inquiry is said to be focused on allegations of concealing or disguising donations from an impermissible donor or using false information about a donor.

The investigation, which has reportedly been ongoing for over a year, centers on two substantial payments made by Fiona Cottrell to the political party in the run-up to the 2024 general election. The Times newspaper first reported that Ms. Cottrell is the subject of the inquiry.

According to The Times, the donations in question were two separate payments of £250,000 each. The first was recorded in Reform UK's accounts on May 9, 2024, with the second appearing on May 29, 2024, just weeks before the general election polling day. These donations are publicly available in records held by the Electoral Commission.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed to BBC News that the force is investigating donations made to a political party. They stated that two individuals have been interviewed under caution, but no arrests have been made. Reform UK sources have indicated that no party officials have yet been interviewed by the police.

The concept of permissible donors is a key element in UK election law, stemming from the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. This legislation strictly prohibits foreign funding and mandates that political parties can only accept money from donors who meet specific criteria, such as being registered on the electoral roll or being a UK-registered company.

Further reports suggest a connection between these donations and Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, who was elected to Parliament for the first time in the recent general election. The Sunday Times previously reported that Fiona Cottrell's son, George Cottrell, allegedly paid for Mr. Farage's social media staff and security prior to the election, benefits that were not declared after Mr. Farage became an MP. George Cottrell has a prior conviction for fraud in the United States, where he served eight months in jail.

Lawyers for George Cottrell have stated that he disputes allegations made by the Sunday Times regarding financial assistance provided to Nigel Farage. Mr. Farage himself has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the benefits did not need to be declared as they were unrelated to his political activities.

In addition to the donations to Reform UK, Fiona Cottrell also made a £1m donation in June 2024 to Britain Means Business, a think tank led by Reform UK's deputy leader, Richard Tice. Electoral Commission data indicates that Britain Means Business has previously donated £500,000 to Reform UK.