The Metropolitan police are investigating £500,000 in donations to Reform UK made through Britain Means Business, a company controlled by the party’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, shortly before the 2024 general election. The inquiry matters because it concerns whether political-donation rules were followed and whether the original source of the money can be established.

The Guardian reported that Fiona Cottrell transferred £1m to Britain Means Business, with about half subsequently donated to Reform; she also gave the party two direct £250,000 donations, which are within the investigation’s scope. Police launched the investigation in February 2025 following an Electoral Commission referral, have interviewed two people under caution and made no arrests; the National Crime Agency is seeking overseas assistance to trace the source of the £1m. Reform says it applies stringent donation checks and follows Electoral Commission rules, while Tice has described previous reports as politically motivated.