Reform UK’s annual conference at Birmingham’s NEC has been thrown into turmoil following allegations that senior party figures attempted to secure illicit foreign funding. Party leader Nigel Farage strongly denied any illegal activity, insisting the claims have "nothing to do" with the party, even as two high-profile aides were sidelined.

Key Developments

  • Senior Aides Suspended: Communications Director Dan Jukes and Senior Adviser James Orr were suspended after an undercover Channel 4 News sting allegedly caught them discussing a £32,500 arrangement for an overseas firm to pay for off-the-books party polling.
  • Farage Defends Party: Nigel Farage maintained that Reform UK has broken no laws and accepted no improper funds. His scheduled keynote address, aimed at proposing seven-day parliamentary sittings, faces severe distraction from the financial allegations.
  • Police and Regulator Involvement: The Liberal Democrats have formally reported Reform UK to the Metropolitan Police over potential breaches of electoral law regarding foreign donations. The Electoral Commission confirmed it is in touch with police and refuted Reform's claims that the regulator had previously approved the party's donor vetting process.
  • Internal Friction Over Suspensions: Conflicting statements emerged from party leadership regarding the future of the suspended aides. While Chairman Lee Anderson stated the pair "are not coming back," Deputy Leader Richard Tice took a softer stance, suggesting the party "wait and see" what the internal investigation reveals.

Despite the growing political pressure and official scrutiny, loyal supporters gathered in large numbers at the NEC to hear Farage speak, even as rival parties demand a full criminal investigation into the campaign's finances.