Senior Reform figures quit after secret funding exposed

Two prominent figures from Reform UK have resigned following an undercover investigation that suggested arrangements for donor funding to pay for polling, potentially violating electoral laws. Reform UK's head of policy, James Orr, and Dan Jukes, a senior aide to party leader Nigel Farage, stepped down pending an internal investigation.

The probe, which the party described as independent and bias-free, uncovered footage showing Orr and Jukes discussing the hiring of a U.S. donor to fund three separate surveys conducted by pollster JL Partners. The sting, carried out by Verbatim, an investigative journalism unit of the Centre for Climate, aired just as Reform UK's conference began in Birmingham.

Farage was captured meeting with the undercover journalist's representatives and expressing admiration for the polling, labeling it "amazing" and a good "bang for buck." The secretly recorded conversation also revealed Orr's assurance to the donor that Farage was unaware of the arrangement, stating, "I wouldn't breathe a word of this to anybody.

Nigel doesn't know. Won't know." Reform UK has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, branding the operation a "political sting from some net zero activists" and refusing further comment during their investigation. Opposition parties have reported the party to the police for potential electoral law breaches, with Labour chair Bronagh Phillipson calling the scandal "another sleaze scandal" that has engulfed the party.

The Met Police confirmed they are aware of the allegations and stated they would assess the matter following any information provided.