Allegations That Convicted Fraudster George Cottrell Was Presented as Nigel Farage’s Chief of Staff

During the 2024 Reform UK election campaign, party insiders reported that George Cottrell – a convicted fraudster – was repeatedly introduced as Nigel Farage’s chief of staff, despite having no formal position. Claims include Cottrell arranging the Land Rovers that transported Farage and four newly elected Reform MPs to Westminster on 9 July 2024, covering the cost of a December 2024 fundraising lunch at the Saint Jacques restaurant in London, and providing a loan to deputy leader Richard Tice that appeared in bankers’ suspicious-activity reports. A £1 million donation from Cottrell’s mother, Fiona, to the party-linked fundraiser Britain Means Business was also flagged as potentially undisclosed.

The Guardian

Cottrell was charged in 2016 with 21 offences linked to a “dark-money” laundering scheme, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, and served time in an Arizona prison. He is currently seeking a pardon from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Reform UK acknowledges receiving personal gifts from Cottrell but maintains they were unrelated to political activities and therefore not required to be disclosed. The party’s leader, Nigel Farage, is under a separate parliamentary standards investigation concerning a £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne.

The Guardian

A Reform UK spokesperson asserted: “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 on additional allegations, and Cottrell’s lawyers did not respond to requests for comment.

The Guardian

Labour chair Anna Turley and other opposition figures have urged electoral authorities to probe whether Cottrell’s donations and financial support to Farage were properly declared. The National Crime Agency has received multiple SARs related to the transactions, though SARs do not constitute proof of wrongdoing.

The Guardian

• “I remember thinking that it was an odd term to use for someone who was unelected at that point,” — Tony Mack, former Reform UK candidate for Clacton

The Guardian

• “He has never been a party employee, he is an unpaid volunteer like many thousands of party members.” — Reform UK spokesperson

The Guardian