A man with a history of fraud is alleged to have moved over $2 million to his mother before she contributed to Reform UK in 2024. George Cottrell reportedly transferred the large sum to his mother, Fiona Cottrell, with a portion of it eventually reaching Nigel Farage’s party. Cottrell, a convicted criminal, supported Farage’s security and staffing prior to Farage’s election.
Recent scrutiny has surrounded the party’s financial affairs, with the Metropolitan Police investigating potential circumvention of political funding restrictions by donors. Fiona Cottrell is believed to have received a deposit of $1.4 million and two subsequent payments exceeding $300,000 each, attributing the funds to her son.
The timing of these transactions is significant, as Fiona Cottrell received the money shortly before making a donation to either Reform UK or Britain Means Business, as reported by The Guardian. The police are examining two donations totaling £500,000 from Britain Means Business, a company linked to Reform’s Deputy Leader, Richard Tice. Electoral Commission records indicate that two donations of £250,000 each were made to Reform by the company on consecutive days.
Richard Tice clarified that the money came from Cottrell and was channeled through Britain Means Business, with half of it eventually reaching Reform UK. Labour Party chairwoman, Bridget Phillipson, has called for transparency regarding the party’s financial backers, emphasizing the potential implications if Cottrell’s reported involvement is confirmed.
Reform UK’s Treasury spokesperson, Robert Jenrick, maintained that the party adhered to electoral regulations concerning donations. He highlighted the party’s past compliance with rules and expressed willingness to cooperate with any investigations. A Reform UK spokesman emphasized the party’s rigorous donation vetting process and commitment to Electoral Commission guidelines, as mandated by the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
