Reform UK Requests NCA Investigation into Financial Information Leaks

Richard Tice, the Deputy Leader of Reform UK, has formally requested an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) regarding potential leaks of his private financial information. This request was made following an article published by the Guardian on July 8, 2026, which revealed that payments to Tice's organizations were flagged under the NCA's Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) program.

Tice claims that he was unaware of these flagged payments until contacted by the media. The NCA, however, maintains that it does not confirm or deny the receipt of SARs, stating, "SARs are confidential and breaching that confidentiality risks committing a tipping off offence under the Proceeds of Crime Act."

Details of the Financial Transactions

According to reports, Tice's company, Tisun Investment, received a loan of £80,000 from George Cottrell, a close associate of Reform leader Nigel Farage, in late 2024. Additionally, Tice's think tank, Britain Means Business, received a £1 million donation from Cottrell's mother, Fiona, in June of the same year.

Data from the Electoral Commission indicates that Britain Means Business also donated £500,000 to Reform UK in June 2024. The NCA was alerted to these payments as part of its SARs program, which aims to identify potential money laundering activities.

Political Implications of the Leaks

The controversy surrounding Cottrell intensified after the Sunday Times reported that he provided support to Farage, including security and social media staff, prior to Farage's election as an MP. Under parliamentary rules, newly elected MPs are required to declare any gifts or benefits received within the 12 months before their election related to their political activities.

Reform UK argues that Farage did not violate these guidelines, claiming that the support from Cottrell was provided in a "purely personal capacity," which is exempt from declaration.

Reform UK's Position

Reform UK has expressed concerns that the leak of Tice's financial details could undermine the integrity of the SARs process. The party's leadership is demanding transparency from the NCA regarding how such sensitive information was disclosed to the media.

As the situation develops, the NCA's response and the outcome of Tice's request for an investigation will be closely monitored by both political analysts and the public.