Nigel Farage has defended his conduct during an undercover investigation into Reform UK’s funding, claiming he “wasn’t even listening” when potential foreign donations were discussed in his presence.
The Reform UK leader made the comments following the release of footage filmed by Verbatim, a group founded by the Centre for Climate Reporting. The investigation alleges that senior party officials sought to circumvent UK electoral laws by discussing commissioned polling from an undercover reporter posing as the son of a wealthy American donor.
Party Aides Suspended
In the wake of the report, Reform UK confirmed that two senior aides, Dan Jukes and James Orr, have stepped down or been suspended pending an internal investigation.
The undercover footage appears to show the reporter discussing arrangements such as the funding of private polling, which would bypass direct donation limits.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are currently assessing evidence following a formal complaint regarding the footage.
According to The Guardian, the party is now conducting its own internal review into the conduct of the officials involved in the talks.
Family Pressure and Security Concerns
Alongside the funding controversy, Mr Farage addressed the personal toll his return to frontline politics has taken. He stated that his family members are “begging” him to “walk away” from public life, citing the impact on their private lives and ongoing security risks.
The Reform UK leader referenced heightened security concerns as factors in his family’s pleas for him to quit.