Two senior Reform UK officials have stepped down amid allegations that the party discussed ways of receiving funding that could breach UK political donation rules.

James Orr, Reform UK’s head of policy, and Dan Jukes, a senior aide to Nigel Farage, have stepped aside following an undercover Channel 4 News investigation into alleged arrangements involving foreign funding. The party has launched an internal investigation. 

The investigation reportedly involved discussions about a US-based individual funding polling connected with Reform UK. Under British electoral law, political donations from impermissible overseas sources are restricted, making the allegations particularly significant for the party.

Nigel Farage has denied that Reform UK received illegal money, while party figures have questioned the methods used by the undercover investigation. The party has nevertheless agreed to investigate the claims and temporarily remove the two officials from their roles.

The controversy comes at a crucial moment for Reform UK as it attempts to strengthen its position in British politics. The allegations have also prompted calls for scrutiny by the Electoral Commission and Metropolitan Police.

The investigation could increase pressure on Reform UK over political transparency, campaign finance and the safeguards surrounding donations to British political parties.