The Metropolitan Police have launched a formal investigation into a £37,500 donation made to Robert Jenrick's Conservative leadership campaign in 2024. The Electoral Commission, which had been examining claims that the funds originated overseas, referred the matter to the police in January.

Under UK electoral law, foreign donations to political parties and campaigns are prohibited. The investigation by the Met Police signifies a serious escalation of scrutiny over the donation, which was part of a larger sum given to Jenrick's campaign.

While the Metropolitan Police confirmed the investigation, they have not identified any individuals or entities involved. Robert Jenrick has stated that the allegations are "entirely false" and that he has had no contact with the police regarding the matter. He added that he had no knowledge of any connection between the donor and overseas interests until contacted by the Electoral Commission.

The Electoral Commission had reportedly been looking into claims that £37,500 of a £100,000 donation from the company Spott Fitness to Jenrick's campaign may have come from the US company Innovyz. Innovyz was founded by Gary Klopfenstein, a US businessman who has previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

A spokesperson for Jenrick asserted that the suggestion of knowingly accepting impermissible donations is an "untrue, politically motivated smear." The spokesperson added that Mr. Ullmann, who revealed himself as the source of the Spott Fitness donations, was introduced to Jenrick by a Conservative MP and that the party checked the permissibility of his donations. Jenrick and his campaign team reportedly complied with all electoral laws.

Phillip Ullmann, a British businessman, came forward in September 2024 to identify himself as the individual behind the donations from Spott Fitness. However, concerns have been raised about the ultimate source of a portion of these funds, specifically £37,500, which is alleged to have originated from Innovyz in the United States.

Robert Jenrick, who defected from the Conservative Party to Reform UK earlier this year, ran to replace Rishi Sunak as Conservative leader in the summer of 2024. He finished second in that contest, behind Kemi Badenoch. The Conservative Party has stated that all candidates in the 2024 leadership race were reminded of the regulations concerning permissible donations.

A spokesperson for Phillip Ullmann declined to comment on the matter. The Metropolitan Police stated that their investigation is ongoing following the referral from the Electoral Commission.