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Undercover investigation shows Reform UK figures discussing circumvention of foreign donation rules

Broadcast footage shows party officials engaging with undercover operatives posing as overseas donors to fund undisclosed polling.

Updated Sep 3, 2026 · 20:26 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • An undercover film by investigative group Verbatim, aired on Channel 4, shows Reform UK officials discussing methods to channel campaign polling funds from an impermissible US donor.
  • Footage captures senior figures, including adviser Dan Jukes and policy head James Orr, exploring arrangements to route money through a UK-based relative.
  • Opposition leaders have demanded inquiries by the police and Electoral Commission, while Reform UK denied wrongdoing, characterizing the report as an activist-led hoax.

Key facts

  • An undercover operation by Verbatim, funded by the Centre for Climate Reporting and aired on Channel 4, recorded Reform UK figures discussing funding arrangements involving £30,000 in polling paid for by an operative posing as an impermissible American donor.[The Guardian]
  • Senior Reform UK adviser Dan Jukes suggested routing overseas funds through a UK-based son to circumvent donation restrictions, according to the footage.[The Guardian]
  • The JL Partners polling was reported by The Times and The Daily Telegraph ahead of May local elections without public disclosure of its funding source or connection to Reform UK.[The Guardian]
  • Labour Party Chair Bridget Phillipson and Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey called for investigations by law enforcement and the Electoral Commission.[The Guardian]
  • Reform UK rejected allegations of wrongdoing, asserting that it complies with Electoral Commission vetting procedures and alleging the video was an edited hoax by climate activists.[The Guardian]

What remains uncertain

  • It remains unconfirmed whether statutory bodies such as the Electoral Commission or police will open formal investigations following the broadcast.[The Guardian]
  • The extent to which party leader Nigel Farage possessed direct knowledge of the precise financial and legal mechanisms behind the polling remains disputed.[The Guardian]

Sources