It has been claimed that aristocrat George Cottrell, nicknamed ‘Posh George’, used his own money to pay for Reform’s office costs after the general election, but it was not declared to the Electoral Commission
Bin-battling Reform leader Nigel Farage faces fresh allegations about his links to a convicted fraudster who reportedly calls him “daddy”.
Aristocrat George Cottrell, nicknamed “Posh George”, is claimed to have used his own money to pay for office costs such as software since the 2024 general election. None of these donations were declared to the Electoral Commission, as required by law, The Sunday Times reported.
Embattled Mr Farage was already facing one Parliamentary standards probe – and potentially a second – before he announced last week that he was stepping down to fight a by-election in Clacton. He whined that he was the victim of an establishment stitch-up – but parody candidate Count Binface is likely to be his main rival in a perilous contest.
Political parties can be fined for failing to declare donations – including money, goods, services or discounts – worth more than £500. Reform UK has insisted that Mr Cottrell – who was jailed in 2017 in the US for wire fraud – is an unpaid volunteer.
The latest allegation comes following reports in The Times that Mr Cottrell gave Mr Farage benefits including security, drivers, staff and accommodation. The Lib Dems called on the Parliamentary standards commissioner, Daniel Greenberg, to investigate.
His lawyers told the Sunday Times they dispute reports of financial assistance to Mr Farage. Mr Greenberg was already investigating a £5million ‘gift’ given to Mr Farage by crypto tycoon Christopher Harborne before the general election.
Reform insists he did not need to declare the cash because it was a personal gift. Rules say that donations and political gifts in the 12 months before an MP enters Parliament must be registered.
Labour MP Phil Brickell has also called on Mr Greenberg to investigate reports that Mr Farage lobbied the Bank of England to drop a cryptocurrency plan that could be costly for Mr Harborne. Mr Farage and Reform deny wrongdoing.
Last week it emerged the Met Police is investigating two donations by Mr Cottrell’s mum Fiona of £250,000 in May 2024. It is reported that investigators are looking at whether the true source of the money was concealed and if the sum came from an impermissible donor. This could include people who are not registered to vote in the UK and companies based overseas. Political parties are legally obliged not to accept money from such sources.
A Labour spokesperson said: “The sleaze around Reform and their money just keeps growing. If George Cottrell has been bankrolling Reform’s offices in secret, that is against the law and Reform must face the consequences.”
They added: “On top of the undeclared donations to Farage before the election, and the police investigation into donations from Cottrell’s family, this could not be more serious for Reform.
“Whether it’s a hidden £5 million ‘gift’ from a crypto-billionaire, or undeclared donations to bankroll Reform’s offices from a convicted criminal, the message from Reform to the public is the same: they think they’re above the rules, and they will do anything to avoid facing up to the facts.”
Former Reform candidate Tony Mack last week told The Guardian that Mr Cottrell referred to Mr Farage as “daddy”. Mr Farage has previously said the younger man, 32, is like a son to him.
Last week Reform said in a statement: “George Cottrell has no official role in Reform UK, nor has he previously held any official role. He has never been a party employee, he is an unpaid volunteer like many thousands of party members.”
The party declined to comment to the Sunday Times about the latest allegations. The Mirror has contacted Reform UK and Mr Cottrell’s legal team.