Reform MP says media targeting Farage over funding allegations

Robert Jenrick said media outlets are scrutinizing Nigel Farage to prevent him from becoming prime minister. The Reform MP made the remarks during a Sky News interview after The Sunday Times reported that Farage had not declared donations from his friend George Cottrell.

Jenrick described the gifts, which included payments for security and staff, as personal matters that occurred before Farage entered Parliament. He said the reports were an old story and dismissed suggestions that Farage had become a liability.

Allegations and responses The Sunday Times reported that Cottrell paid for Farage's security, a stay near Buckingham Palace, and three staff members working on social media before the general election. Jenrick said these arrangements were handled in a personal capacity.

Cottrell was jailed for eight months in the United States in 2017 after pleading guilty to wire fraud. Farage registered some gifts from Cottrell after becoming the MP for Clacton in 2024 but did not list others.

Party standing and next steps Reform UK has fallen to an average of 25 percent in recent polls after reaching 35 percent last year. Jenrick said the party is preparing candidates, raising funds, and writing a manifesto. A Labour spokesperson said Reform cannot treat the matter as closed and called the party unfit for office.

Health secretary James Murray said Farage has a flexible relationship with transparency and faces unanswered questions about his finances.