Farage says he 'wasn't listening' in foreign donor talks

September 5, 2026 at 07:26 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he "frankly wasn't listening" during a conversation with his former chief of staff and an undercover reporter about funneling foreign money to his party. His former chief of staff Dan Jukes and ex-head of policy James Orr have been removed from their jobs after an investigation recorded them discussing the scheme. The proposed donation was never made as it was part of an undercover sting.

Key Facts

Dan Jukes and James Orr were removed from their jobs after an investigation recorded them discussing how to get money to Reform UK from an American donor and asking a fake company to pay for polling.
Under electoral law, donors to UK political parties must be a UK registered voter or a company registered in the UK, so cannot give money from abroad through a British resident.
The proposed donation was never made as it was part of an undercover sting by Channel 4.
Labour and the Liberal Democrats have called on the Metropolitan Police to investigate the claims, and the force is assessing whether to do so.

The Undercover Recording

Undercover reporters posing as party donors met with Nigel Farage and his former chief of staff Dan Jukes. The conversation discussed what appears to have been a scheme to funnel foreign money to Reform UK. Farage said he was told the money could have come from a global family office based in London, with income from all over the world. He stated, "I know electoral law. I know donation law better than anybody."

Party Response

Jukes has denied doing anything wrong, while Orr told Sky News he will co-operate fully with Reform's internal investigation. Both Jukes and Orr have stood down pending the outcome of the party's internal investigation. Farage said the two individuals had never been involved in fundraising before and should not have been brought to him without vetting.

Political Fallout

The row over the Channel 4 film has threatened to capsize Reform's party conference. Labour and the Liberal Democrats have called on the Metropolitan Police to investigate the claims. The Metropolitan Police is assessing whether or not to investigate. Political opponents are demanding that Farage is investigated and takes accountability.