英国《卫报》的持续调查揭露了改革党领导人奈杰尔·法拉奇及其团队复杂的资金往来。[1]法拉奇在2024年4月接受了亿万富翁捐赠者克里斯托弗·哈博恩500万英镑的礼物。[1]与此同时，被定罪欺诈犯乔治·科特雷尔与多名党内人士之间存在可疑的金融交易。[1]
科特雷尔在2024年向其母亲菲奥娜转移了超过200万美元。[1]菲奥娜在2024年5月进行了两笔各25万英镑的捐赠，并在6月10日通过筹款工具"英国意味着商业"向改革党捐赠100万英镑，其中50万英镑几乎立即进入该党账户。[1]此外，科特雷尔在2024年底向改革党副领导人理查德·蒂斯贷款78,100英镑。[1]
目前，英国警方正在进行关于2024年捐赠的调查，两名议会标准委员会的调查预计在秋季完成。[1]
The Guardian has revealed an intricate web of financial transactions involving Reform UK leadership and their associates, raising questions about the party's funding sources and internal financial practices.[1] Party leader Nigel Farage received a £5 million gift from billionaire donor Christopher Hahn in April 2024.[1] Separately, multiple party figures have been linked to suspicious financial dealings with George Cotterell, a convicted fraudster.
The financial flows involving Cotterell and his associates paint a detailed picture of fund movement into the party.[1] In 2024, Cotterell transferred over $2 million to his mother Fiona, who subsequently became a significant donor to Reform UK.[1] On June 10, 2024, Fiona donated £1 million to Britain Means Business, a fundraising vehicle for the party, with £500,000 of that sum flowing into Reform UK almost immediately.[1] Fiona made two additional donations of £250,000 each in May 2024.[1] Late in 2024, Cotterell extended a loan of £78,100 to party deputy leader Richard Tice.[1]
The revelations have triggered official scrutiny at multiple levels.[1] Police have conducted cautious interviews with two individuals regarding the 2024 donations, and two parliamentary standards investigations are underway, with completion anticipated in autumn.[1]