A man with a criminal record allegedly transferred over $2 million to his mother before she contributed to Reform UK in the year 2024. George Cottrell reportedly sent a substantial amount to his mother, Fiona Cottrell, who then directed a portion of it to Nigel Farage’s political party.
Cottrell, who has a history of convictions, provided financial support for Farage’s security and staff expenses in the year leading up to Farage’s election. Recent scrutiny has been placed on the party’s financial activities, with the Metropolitan Police investigating potential circumvention of political funding restrictions by donors.
Fiona Cottrell is believed to have received a single deposit of $1.4 million, followed by two additional payments exceeding $300,000 each. She purportedly informed bankers that the money originated from her son when questioned about the transactions.
The funds were transferred to her shortly before she made a donation to Reform UK or to the business entity Britain Means Business. The Metropolitan Police is reportedly examining two donations totaling £500,000 from Britain Means Business, a company linked to Reform’s Deputy Leader Richard Tice.
According to Electoral Commission records, two donations of £250,000 each were made to Reform by the company within two days. Tice clarified that the money was received by his company from donor Fiona Cottrell.
Reports suggest that Cottrell contributed £1 million to Britain Means Business in June 2024, half of which was subsequently allocated to Reform. Bridget Phillipson, Chairwoman of the Labour Party, called on Reform UK leaders to be transparent about their financial backers.
In response to inquiries, Reform Treasury spokesperson Robert Jenrick affirmed that the party had adhered to electoral regulations. He emphasized that the donations in question were made some time ago and that the party was confident in its compliance with electoral rules.
A spokesperson for Reform UK stated that the party rigorously vets donations and strictly follows Electoral Commission guidelines outlined in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 for all contributions.