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Dear John,

You may have seen that police are currently investigating allegations that Reform UK misreported election spending during Nigel Farage’s 2024 Clacton campaign. (Reform denies wrongdoing.)

But whatever the outcome of this specific investigation, it throws a spotlight on a bigger issue: the growing number of reasons to raise an eyebrow about Nigel Farage and Reform UK, and the interests they really serve.

Because these allegations that Reform filed inaccurate returns with the regulator are not an isolated issue. They are part of a pattern that should worry anyone who cares about clean and fair elections.

Just weeks ago, Nigel Farage was cheerleading for fewer restrictions on cryptocurrencies. Then, shortly afterwards, Reform accepted a record-breaking £9 million donation from a ‘crypto billionaire’.

That might be a coincidence. Or it might be exactly what it looks like: a political party in bed with an industry that would benefit from lighter regulation under a Reform government, pouring huge sums into UK politics to make that a reality.

Either way, the public deserves transparency. Not just about what’s declared on an election expenses form, but about who is funding Nigel Farage and what they expect in return.

Reform UK’s words say they’re anti-elite. But look at their actions. Their agenda involves:
* Weakening workers’ rights and protections that stop exploitation.
* Opening the door to more NHS privatisation, with private companies profiting while patients wait longer.
* Pushing changes to tax and regulation that favour big business and the wealthy elite over ordinary people.

That’s not a grassroots rebellion against the establishment. It’s just the same old powerful interests pushing the levers of power, while using distraction tactics that turn ordinary people on each other.

Whether it’s dubious campaign spending, opaque donations, or quietly advancing the interests of wealthy backers, the conclusion is the same: our democratic safeguards are too easy to game.

Remember: when the rules are weak, it’s those with the deepest pockets that tend to win.

We’re not here to pre-judge an investigation but, whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: we should expect anyone who wants to be the next Prime Minister to run a transparent campaign and be clear about who is paying for it.

And we should have rules strong enough to enforce that, whoever that person may be.

That’s why we’re here. To make democracy work for everyone, not just the rich and powerful.

Whether it’s the work we do with MPs and Peers inside Parliament, or the conversations we have with officials in government, or our efforts to raise awareness of these issues among ordinary people too busy trying to make ends meet to see what’s really going on, everything we do is focussed on that goal.

And none of that would be possible without you - so THANK YOU for standing with us.

All the best,

Conor

Conor McKenzie

Digital Engagement Manager, Open Britain

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