Two senior Reform UK officials have stepped down following allegations about political donation rules. The move follows an undercover investigation by Channel 4 News.
The officials are James Orr, the party’s head of policy, and Dan Jukes, an aide to leader Nigel Farage. Both have stepped aside while the party investigates the allegations.
The investigation focused on claims involving foreign funding and political polling. It alleged that money from a US source helped fund polling linked to Reform UK.
Officials Step Down During Investigation
Reform UK confirmed that an internal investigation would examine the claims. The party has denied wrongdoing and rejected the allegations made in the report.
James Orr and Dan Jukes were reportedly involved in discussions about funding political surveys. The investigation alleged that around £32,500 was used to pay for three surveys.
The money was allegedly linked to a US company. UK electoral rules restrict foreign companies and individuals from funding British political parties.
The key issue is whether the funding should have been treated as an impermissible political donation. The investigation also raised questions about whether the funding was properly disclosed.
Reform UK said the situation resulted from an undercover operation. The party described the investigation as a hoax and maintained that no money reached the party directly.
Channel 4 Undercover Investigation
The allegations emerged through an undercover investigation conducted by Verbatim and reported by Channel 4 News.
Investigators reportedly posed as potential donors. They recorded conversations with senior Reform UK figures about political funding and polling.
The footage included discussions involving Orr and Jukes. It also showed Nigel Farage meeting people presented as wealthy potential donors.
The report raised concerns about whether foreign money could indirectly support political activity in Britain. Such funding can face restrictions under UK electoral law.
Reform UK has rejected claims that it deliberately broke donation rules. The party said its donor checks follow Electoral Commission requirements.
Police and Electoral Commission Scrutiny
The allegations have also attracted attention from other political parties. The Liberal Democrats reported the matter to the Metropolitan Police and Electoral Commission.
Labour has also indicated that it intends to report the allegations. The Greens have called for further investigation.
Police confirmed that they were aware of the matter. Authorities are expected to assess the available information before deciding on further action.
The Electoral Commission is responsible for regulating political finance in the UK. However, potential criminal breaches can also involve police investigations.
Wider Pressure on Reform UK
The latest controversy comes as Reform UK faces wider scrutiny over its finances. The party is holding its annual conference in Birmingham.
Reform UK has attracted significant private donations in recent months. Its fundraising activities have received increased public and political attention.
The party is also facing separate questions over earlier donations. One investigation concerns a previously reported £5 million donation linked to businessman Christopher Harborne.
Nigel Farage has denied wrongdoing over financial allegations involving the party. Reform UK continues to reject claims that it has breached electoral law.
The decision by two officials to step down adds further pressure on the party. Their positions will remain affected while the internal investigation continues.
For now, no final finding has established that either official broke the law. The allegations remain subject to investigation and review.
Read more about UK political funding rules and recent electoral investigations.