UK Police Check Reform UK Donations After $2m Transfer
Police in London are investigating donations to the Reform UK party. The donations came from Fiona Cottrell.
She is the mother of George Cottrell, a long-term figure in Reform UK. Her son gave her $2 million shortly before she made large donations to the party.
The payments reportedly included one deposit of about $1.4 million. Two more payments of over $300,000 each followed, reports say.
Fiona Cottrell allegedly told bankers the money came from her son. She reportedly gave £1 million to a group called Britain Means Business.
That group raises funds and is run by Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice. Half of that money reportedly went on to Reform UK.
The police investigation reportedly began in February 2025. It followed a referral from the Electoral Commission, the body that oversees UK elections.
Richard Tice has defended Fiona Cottrell as a legitimate donor. Reform UK said all rules were followed with the donations.
Key Terms 3
- Reform UK A British political party.
- Electoral Commission The UK body that oversees election rules and funding.
- Metropolitan Police The police force covering London, UK.