POLICE are investigating two £250,000 donations to Reform UK from a firm controlled by the party’s deputy leader Richard Tice.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed today that they are examining the transactions from the Britain Means Business fundraising vehicle in the run-up to the 2024 general election.

Mr Tice has previously said that the money was paid to his firm by Reform donor Fiona Cottrell, mother of the convicted fraudster George Cottrell, who provided funding for party leader Nigel Farage’s security and staffing before he became an MP.

She is said to have given £1 million to Britain Means Business in June 2024 and half of that money was then given to Reform.

The Times reported that Reform’s bank account was frozen during the last election after the donations.

A Labour Party spokesperson said: “The allegations of sleaze and donation scandals just continue to pile up for Reform.”

Today a Met spokesperson said the investigation was launched in February 2025 following a referral from the Electoral Commission “relating to donations made to a political party ahead of the 2024 UK general election.”

“Detectives from the Met’s special enquiry team are investigating alleged offences under Section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections & Referendums Act 2000,” they added.

“Early investigative advice has been sought from the Crown Prosecution Service and two people have so far been interviewed under caution. No arrests have been made.

“An offence under this section is not one that the Electoral Commission can investigate and, as such, it is a matter for the police.”

Responding to reports of the police investigation, Mr Tice said: “The BBC article is the first I have heard of it — if true why are the Met Police briefing the BBC before contacting interested parties?

“Is the Met leadership now engaged in the widespread politically motivated smear campaign against Reform and its leaders?”

A Reform UK spokesman said: “Reform takes pride in its stringent vetting of donations and always ensures that the Electoral Commission guidelines on donations, as set out in the [2000 Act], are strictly followed, as has been the case with donations so far.”