An investigation is reportedly underway by the police regarding a donation made to Robert Jenrick’s Conservative leadership campaign in 2024.
Reports suggest that the Metropolitan Police force is examining allegations of a donation to the campaign originating from a foreign donor, a violation of UK election regulations. Denying the accusations, Mr. Jenrick stated the claims, as detailed by the i newspaper, are unfounded.
Previously a Conservative Party member before switching to Reform UK earlier this year, Jenrick ran for the Conservative Party leadership in 2024, vying to succeed Rishi Sunak. He was defeated by Kemi Badenoch.
The allegations revolve around a £100,000 donation to Jenrick’s leadership bid from UK firm Spott Fitness. It is claimed that a portion of this sum, approximately £37,000, was linked to a U.S. business partner of Ullmann, Gary Klopfenstein, who has been convicted of fraud.
In April, the Labour party urged Jenrick’s campaign to return the alleged funds from Klopfenstein following reports that the Electoral Commission was scrutinizing the donation. The Guardian disclosed that the elections watchdog had referred evidence to the police.
A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police stated, “Following a report from the Electoral Commission on Tuesday, 6 January regarding donations linked to a political party’s leadership campaign, we have initiated an investigation, which is ongoing.”
The police have not specified whether their inquiry is focused on a particular individual.
Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake remarked, “The Metropolitan Police, at the Electoral Commission’s recommendation, is now probing this matter.
“It is unequivocally illegal for foreign contributions to be made, and the true source of any donation must be disclosed. The public deserves transparency regarding this donation.”
Jenrick responded, “These accusations are baseless. It is not surprising that established entities seeking to impede Reform’s efforts for crucial national change would resort to propagating these falsehoods. I have had no interaction with the Metropolitan Police regarding this issue.”
A representative for Jenrick insisted, “The claim that Robert knowingly accepted impermissible donations is a false, politically motivated attack, circulated years later by the Conservatives, despite Mr. Ullman introducing Robert to a Tory MP and the party verifying the donations’ legitimacy.
“Robert and his team complied with all electoral regulations when receiving the 2024 donation from Spott Fitness Ltd. Jenrick has had no association with Klopfenstein, was unaware of any link between him and Ullman’s donation until contacted by the Electoral Commission.
“He cooperated fully with the Electoral Commission’s inquiry, providing comprehensive evidence that refuted these allegations in 2025.”
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