The Metropolitan Police are investigating at least £500,000 in donations made to Reform UK, reportedly from the mother of a convicted fraudster who previously funded Nigel Farage's social media staff and security.

Fiona Cottrell is understood to be at the centre of the inquiry, which has been ongoing for over a year. The investigation by the Met's Special Enquiry Team focuses on potential offences related to the evasion of restrictions on political donations, according to The Times newspaper.

Officers are examining allegations of concealing or disguising donations from impermissible donors or using false information about the source and amount of contributions. The Times reports that the investigation centres on two £250,000 payments made by Cottrell to Reform UK in May 2024, shortly before the general election.

These donations were publicly recorded by the Electoral Commission. The police investigation was launched in February 2025 following a referral from the Electoral Commission concerning donations made ahead of the 2024 UK General Election. Detectives are investigating alleged offences under Section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.

Reform UK sources have stated that no party officials have been interviewed by the police. Lawyers for George Cottrell have denied allegations made by The Sunday Times concerning his financial support for Nigel Farage. Farage himself has denied any wrongdoing.

George Cottrell, known as 'Posh George', pleaded guilty to fraud in the United States and served eight months in jail before his release in 2017. The Sunday Times previously reported that Cottrell had covered costs for Farage's staff and security before the election, benefits that were not declared once Farage became an MP.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that early investigative advice has been sought from the Crown Prosecution Service and that two people have been interviewed under caution. No arrests have been made. An offence under Section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 is not something the Electoral Commission can investigate, making it a matter for the police.

The Electoral Commission stated it has no further comment, deferring to the Metropolitan Police's statement on the ongoing investigation. Attempts by the BBC to contact Fiona Cottrell for comment have been unsuccessful.