Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage, is facing mounting pressure as the party grapples with allegations surrounding political donations ahead of his address at the party’s conference in Birmingham.
The controversy erupted after a Channel 4 investigation appeared to show senior Reform figures discussing ways of disguising donations originating from foreign sources.
Two senior party officials, James Orr and Dan Jukes, have stepped down from their roles, while Reform has launched an internal investigation into the allegations.
Farage has rejected claims that the party breached political donation laws, arguing that the allegations were driven by opposition to Reform’s growing political influence.
Addressing party supporters at the conference, Farage said: “Reform has broken no law. We take compliance extremely seriously.
“And ask yourself, why is all of this happening? Anyone got a clue why it’s happening? Because they’re scared of us. That’s why it’s happening.
“And in my case, I’ve broken no laws, abused no public money. I haven’t even got a motorhome, believe you me.
“I’m accused of non-declaration of a personal gift, a personal gift that might just keep me alive.
“But I couldn’t wait forever. I couldn’t wait for six months or a year for this committee to decide. So I said, ‘Right. I tell you what, the voters of Clacton, they can be my judge.’ And the people of Clacton have decided with an emphatic win.”
Farage also accused political opponents of mounting a coordinated campaign against his party and insisted that Reform would remain focused on its political agenda.
“We have been the subject of a highly co-ordinated campaign of attacks.
“In a sense, it’s not surprising. If you think about it, two parties have dominated British politics for over 100 years.
“And around them is a whole ecosystem of membership of the House of Lords, the issuance of government contracts, heads of quangos, and so much else, a whole ecosystem around the century-old two-party system.
“And we come along and threaten that. They were never going to come out with a tray of gin and tonics, I promise you.
“But I promise you, we will not be distracted by any of this. We are absolutely determined in what we’re doing.”
The allegations have reportedly created divisions among senior Reform figures, with differing accounts emerging over whether Orr and Jukes have been permanently suspended or are temporarily out of their positions pending the investigation.
Reform deputy leader Richard Tice declined to rule out the possibility of the pair returning to their roles once the investigation is concluded.
Asked whether the two men could return, Tice told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Let’s wait and see what the investigation says.”
He also challenged comments from Reform chairman Lee Anderson that the pair would not return, saying, “It’s not actually, in the nicest possible way, for any individual to make that determination until the investigation (finishes).”
Meanwhile, Reform’s home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf sought to distance himself from the controversy, saying: “It’s just not something I am personally involved in.”
Former Conservative MP Robert Jenrick, who recently joined Reform, said the two aides had been permanently suspended, although he acknowledged that an investigation and due process would follow.
“They have been permanently suspended. There is obviously due process, and so there is going to be an investigation, and we want to learn all the facts, give them obviously a right of reply.
“But Nigel (Farage) has acted very swiftly, as soon as he saw the footage. Some of their comments, it’s fair to say, were very disappointing and inappropriate.”
Police are already examining £500,000 in donations made to Reform UK by a company controlled by Tice.
The company, Britain Means Business, reportedly made two £250,000 donations to the party in the period leading up to the 2024 general election.
Tice has maintained that the funds were paid to his company by Reform donor Fiona Cottrell.
The latest allegations could widen the existing police investigation, particularly over claims involving donations or benefits provided by foreign sources.
Accepting donations from an overseas company, including donations in kind such as polling, could amount to a criminal offence under UK political funding rules.
Despite the controversy surrounding his party, Farage is expected to use his conference speech to reinforce Reform’s political message and maintain that the party will not be derailed by the growing scrutiny.
