Police are investigating a total of £500,000 in donations made to Reform UK by the mother of a convicted fraudster.
Fiona Cottrell, 67, sent two separate £250,000 gifts to the party in May 2024, a month before her son George Cottrell stood as a candidate. Cottrell, 32, has a history of fraud and is known to have secretly bankrolled former party leader Nigel Farage.
George Cottrell is currently under investigation for evading donation restrictions, including concealing or disguising contributions from impermissible donors. Two individuals have been interviewed under caution in connection with the case.
In addition to the Reform UK gifts, Cottrell is believed to have transferred £1 million to a company owned by Richard Tice, the party’s deputy leader. Half of that amount was subsequently donated to Reform UK, though the source of the funds remains unknown.
Pre‑election contributions from George Cottrell covered a range of campaign expenses, including drivers, security and the use of a luxury townhouse near Buckingham Palace.
The controversy follows Nigel Farage’s resignation as Clacton MP amid scrutiny over a £5 million donation from a billionaire. The by‑election has been boycotted by other Westminster parties, who describe it as a sham.
Comedy candidate Count Binface stands as the highest‑profile opponent for the Reform UK leader. The vote was originally scheduled for August 6 but has been moved to August 13. Potential candidates can submit nominations between July 14 and 17, while residents not already on the electoral register have until July 28 to apply for a vote.
