Police Probe £500,000 in Reform UK Donations as Farage Prepares By-Election

British police are investigating at least £500,000 in donations to Reform UK, examining whether the true source was concealed or false information provided to party treasurers. Two £250,000 donations from Fiona Cottrell—mother of convicted fraudster George Cottrell, a long-time Farage financier—are under scrutiny. Two people have been interviewed under caution; no arrests made. The inquiry concerns potential breaches of UK electoral law requiring parties to verify donor identity. Farage resigned his Clacton seat on July 8, triggering a by-election August 13.