George Cottrell, a convicted criminal who has previously funded Nigel Farage's security and staffing, reportedly transferred more than $2 million to his mother, Fiona Cottrell, in the days before she made donations linked to Reform UK. The revelation, first reported by The Guardian, deepens scrutiny of Reform UK's finances amid an ongoing Metropolitan Police investigation into whether donors circumvented rules on the legitimate sources of political funding.

Fiona Cottrell reportedly received one deposit of $1.4 million and two further tranches of over $300,000 each, allegedly telling bankers the money came from her son, before donating to Reform UK or to Britain Means Business, a fundraising vehicle run by deputy leader Richard Tice, within 24 to 72 hours. Britain Means Business reportedly gave Reform two donations of £250,000 each ahead of the 2024 general election, funded in part by roughly £500,000 from Ms Cottrell. The Met, investigating potential offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, has interviewed two people under caution but made no arrests, while Reform UK insists it strictly follows Electoral Commission guidance and Tice has defended Ms Cottrell as a "permissible donor."