Farage: Foreign donations row is ‘loose pub talk’

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage dismissed concerns over comments made by senior party figures regarding accepting foreign donations through intermediaries, calling it "loose pub talk". The Reform party faced a challenging day after a Channel 4 investigation revealed Farage's chief of staff, Dan Jukes, and head of policy, Dr James Orr, discussing a potential donation from a foreign source via a middle man, which could violate electoral law.

At a press conference, Farage described the comments as "injudicious at best" and emphasized that neither Jukes nor Orr were authorized to act in that manner. The pair have been suspended from the party while undergoing an investigation. Farage also addressed claims made by the suspended officials that were censored, stating they were "not true".

He clarified that the two individuals were not part of the fundraising teams. Farage further clarified that no laws had been broken and stressed the party's commitment to compliance regarding donations, which they take "very, very seriously". He also pointed out that some payments to JL Partners for party polling, as shown in the sting operation, were not commission by Reform.

The donation mentioned in the Channel 4 investigation did not transpire. Industry figures cautioned that the investigation could harm business relations and contribute to perceptions of inconsistent policy and priorities. At the press conference, Farage met Jordan Bardella, the president of the National Rally party in France, who signed a pact to "stop the boats forever" if both leaders won their respective elections.

Bardella is expected to become the next Prime Minister of France if Le Pen secures the 2027 presidential race. The investigation into Jukes and Orr has intensified scrutiny on Farage's financial dealings and the party's donations. Farage is currently under parliamentary investigation for a £5m donation from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne before the 2024 election.

The Metropolitan Police acknowledged receiving a report on the potential breach of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 relating to polling and stated they will assess the matter.