Two of Nigel Farage’s key allies, James Orr and Dan Jukes, have stepped down from Reform UK following a bombshell undercover sting by Channel 4 News. The operation revealed claims that Reform took £32,500 in funding from a US firm posing as donors, allegedly violating political donation rules. Undercover reporters from Verbatim posed as an American financier and his UK-based son, suggesting ways to circumvent electoral laws to secure foreign donations.
Rival parties reported Reform to the police. Nigel Farage denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations a hoax. Dan Jukes, a long-time aide to Farage, was the party’s media chief before stepping down. Dr. James Orr, a senior adviser and head of policy, faced criticism for policies linked to Christian nationalism. Both men were filmed discussing potential donation mechanisms, with Jukes suggesting methods to bypass legal restrictions.
Reform UK responded by sacking Jukes and Orr, with party chairman Lee Anderson stating there was no chance they would return. Deputy leader Richard Tice, however, suggested the investigation’s outcome could change this. The party’s conference in Birmingham began the day after the revelations, with Anderson emphasizing the need to remove the distraction. An investigation is ongoing, and the party denies any illegal activity.
Source: The Independent
