Reform UK leader Nigel Farage says the party has “taken no illegal money” after an undercover investigation raised questions about a proposed £500,000 foreign donation.
Speaking to reporters at Reform UK’s annual conference, Farage said the party had “done nothing wrong”. He also said Reform takes electoral compliance seriously but needs to improve its internal procedures as the party becomes more professional.
The controversy follows a report by Channel 4 News based on undercover filming by Verbatim Investigations.
The investigation allegedly recorded senior Reform UK aide Dan Jukes discussing a possible way to bypass electoral rules while trying to secure a £500,000 donation from overseas.
The report has triggered fresh scrutiny of how political parties handle donations and comply with UK electoral law.
Reform UK launches investigation
Jukes, who served as a senior aide to Farage, has since stepped down from his position.
Reform UK’s head of policy, James Orrs, has also left his role following the report.
The party has announced an internal investigation into the allegations. Reform has maintained that it takes legal and financial compliance seriously.
Farage acknowledged that the party needs to strengthen its procedures as it continues to grow.
He said Reform must “do better as we professionalise”, while rejecting the suggestion that the party had accepted illegal funding.
Undercover report raises questions
The Channel 4 News report has focused attention on the rules governing political donations in the UK.
Under British electoral law, political parties must follow strict rules when accepting donations. The rules are designed to prevent prohibited foreign funding from influencing UK politics.
The alleged discussion about a £500,000 donation has therefore created political and legal questions for Reform UK.
However, Farage has insisted that the party itself has not received illegal money.
The departures of Jukes and Orrs have added to the pressure on the party. Reform now faces questions about its internal controls and how senior officials handled the proposed donation.
Farage prepares for conference speech
The controversy comes as Farage prepares to deliver his keynote speech at the Reform UK conference.
The party has been seeking to strengthen its organisation as it expands its political presence across Britain.
The latest allegations could make financial transparency and compliance a major issue during the conference.
Farage’s comments suggest that Reform wants to draw a distinction between alleged conversations involving individual officials and the party’s own conduct.
The internal investigation is expected to examine what happened and whether any rules were breached.
For now, Farage continues to deny that Reform UK accepted illegal funds. The party’s investigation will determine what further action may be necessary.
