Reform UK Senior Aide Filmed Suggesting Avoidance of Donations Law
A senior aide to Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, was filmed proposing strategies to bypass British political donations law. The footage, broadcast by Channel 4, shows Howard Cox, who serves as Reform UK's nominations officer and a candidate for the party, detailing how donations could be channelled through a company rather than directly to the party.
UK electoral law mandates that political parties declare donations exceeding £500 from an individual or organisation. Donations over £7,500 must be reported to the Electoral Commission, with only permissible donors, such as UK-registered companies or individuals on the UK electoral roll, permitted to contribute. Cox was recorded explaining that a donor could give to a company, which would then donate to the party. He explicitly stated this method was a way to avoid disclosure, remarking, “That way you don’t declare it.”
Mr Cox also advised the undercover reporter on disguising campaign contributions for the upcoming general election. He suggested offering payment for a specific campaign event, which he then described as a “fee”. When questioned about the legality of these suggestions, a Reform UK spokesperson asserted that the party "adheres to all relevant laws and regulations". Mr Cox has not yet issued a public comment on the matter.
