Police assessment criticism over Reform UK’s free vitality payments competitors
Party leader Nigel Farage and Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick had delivered a bunch of flowers and a large cheque for £1,758 to a couple, said to be Reform UK supporters, in Wigan on Thursday
Reform UK handed over £1,758 to a couple, said to be Reform UK supporters(Image: @Nigel_Farage/X)
Police are reviewing a complaint about Reform UK’s offer to pay the energy bills of an entire street for a year.
As part of a prize draw, Nigel Farage and Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick delivered a bunch of flowers and a large cheque for £1,758 to a couple, said to be Reform UK supporters, in Wigan on Thursday.
Soon after social media users claimed Mr Farage already knew the pair, as a picture appearing to show him standing behind the couple at a 2019 Brexit Party event resurfaced. Last month Reform staged a petrol station stunt in Derbyshire, slashing fuel prices to promote a pledge on cutting fuel duty.
READ MORE: Nigel Farage confronted over Southport attack comments on visit to the townREAD MORE: Nicola Sturgeon blasts Nigel Farage for being ‘not who he pretends to be’
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “We have received a report and are currently reviewing the matter.” This is not the same as launching an investigation and it is unclear what potential offence is being looked at.
Reform UK said the draw had been cleared by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). To enter the competition, entrants were asked to disclose their name, email, telephone number and how they voted as well as how they intended to vote in the next election.
An ICO spokesperson said: “All political parties collecting personal information, including information for political campaigning, need to comply with data protection law. We’re in regular contact with political parties about how they use people’s data. We have spoken with Reform about this competition and improving transparency in how they handle people’s personal information.
“People who are concerned about how their information is being used by any political party can raise those concerns with the party, and if they remain dissatisfied can make a complaint to the ICO.”
Asked whether he was worried the party may have broken electoral rules with the stunt, Mr Farage told reporters on Friday: “No, I’m not in the least bit worried.”
Party sources claim many members had entered the competition so it was no surprise that a supporter won and that there was video evidence of the randomised draw taking place for legal purposes. It is understood the draw was open to both members and non-members.
The Electoral Commission said some activity designed to “incentivise voter behaviour” may be considered an offence, including “bribery and treating”.
It said: “It would be for the police to consider the facts of any allegations made to them, in order to determine if an offence has been committed. Treating occurs if food, drink, entertainment or other provisions are directly or indirectly given to voters to corruptly influence how they vote. Bribery occurs when money is given, directly or indirectly, to induce a voter to vote or not vote. Any allegations should be reported directly to the police.”
Reform UK has been approached for comment.
