The Metropolitan Police is investigating Reform UK following allegations regarding foreign donations and a possible breach of British electoral law

London's Metropolitan Police has opened a criminal investigation into Reform UK, accused of attempting to circumvent British legislation on political party funding. The investigation was launched following the broadcast of an investigation conducted by Channel 4 News and Verbatim Investigations.

An undercover reporter allegedly filmed two party advisers discussing ways in which an American donor could finance Reform UK through his son, who resides in the United Kingdom. One conversation mentions a donation of £500,000, while another sequence concerns payment for opinion polls for the party.

British legislation allows political donations only from individuals registered on the electoral rolls in the United Kingdom or from companies registered there.

Police are examining possible offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 and are working with the Electoral Commission and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Reform UK denies any wrongdoing and says it will cooperate with the investigation.

The footage led to the withdrawal from politics of Nigel Farage's chief of staff, Dan Jukes, and the departure of James Orr, the party's head of policy.

The investigation is also examining other donations, including transfers of £1 million to a company controlled by deputy leader Richard Tice.

The party, which had previously been leading the polls, has lost ground in the wake of the scandal.