PARLIAMENT’S standards watchdog has launched an investigation into Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice over an alleged failure to declare an interest.

The probe relates to rule six in the MPs’ code of conduct which states members must be “open and frank” in declaring “any relevant interest in any proceeding of the House or its committees, and in any communications with public office-holders and public officials.

Mr Tice responded on social media: “Contrary to garbage in media: Standards Commissioner is considering complaint by antisemitic anti-Israel lobby group over whether I should have referenced my register of interests at start of a debate on UK democracy and Israeli influence.”

The watchdog did not provide details of the allegation aside from ⁠saying the case was opened on July 28 and would be conducted by the parliamentary commissioner for standards, Daniel ⁠Greenberg.

A Labour party spokesperson said: “The Reform sleaze scandals continue to pile up. Richard Tice is now under investigation by the standards commissioner, on top of his firm avoiding paying £600,000 in tax. 

“This means that both Reform’s leader and deputy leader now have standards investigations hanging over them.

“With police probes, Nigel Farage’s secret £5m gift, and reports of funding from a convicted fraudster, it’s clear Reform think the rules just don’t apply to them.”

A separate parliamentary investigation was opened into party leader Nigel Farage’s receipt of a £5 million gift from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne before he was elected.

The inquiry into Mr Farage was suspended after he triggered a by-election by resigning in his Clacton seat, but would resume if he becomes an MP again.

His main competition in the contest is comedy candidate Count Binface after the major parties boycotted the poll, which they see as a political stunt.

The Liberal Democrats said voters deserve “answers and transparency” from their politicians, not “sleaze and scandal.”

The Metropolitan Police is also investigating payments to Reform UK, assessing payments made to the party via a company controlled by Tice.

It emerged last month that Fiona Cottrell made a £1m transfer to Britain Means Business, shortly before donations were made and about half of the funds were passed to Reform UK.

Ms Cottrell’s son George has close links to Mr Farage.

Reform UK has been contacted for comment.