Guardian UK Politics
Police investigate £500,000 Reform donations from mother of fraudster who backed Farage
Police are investigating £500,000 in donations made to Reform UK by Fiona Cottrell, whose son George — a convicted fraudster and close Farage ally — has been a visible presence at the party's events. The inquiry centers on two £250,000 donations made in May 2024, with investigators examining whether they were designed to conceal the true source of the funds. The case raises serious questions about Reform's vetting of major donors ahead of last year's general election.
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How do political donations work … and why are there growing calls for a cap?
Political donations in the UK allow individuals and organisations to financially back candidates and parties, provided spending limits are observed during election periods. The system has come under renewed scrutiny after a crypto billionaire based in Thailand donated £5 million to Nigel Farage's party, raising fresh questions about foreign influence in British politics. Critics argue the current rules are insufficient to prevent wealthy interests from wielding outsized power, fuelling growing cross-party calls for a cap on individual donations.
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Ann Widdecombe murder probe: what we know so far
Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative MP and political commentator, has died under suspicious circumstances at her Dartmoor home, with police now actively hunting a suspect. Authorities have launched a murder investigation, though few details about the circumstances of her death have been released. The case has drawn significant public attention given Widdecombe's high profile as a long-serving politician and Brexit Party figure.
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Police launch murder probe into death of former minister Ann Widdecombe
Former Conservative MP and television personality Ann Widdecombe, 78, has been found dead at her Dartmoor home with serious injuries, prompting a murder investigation. Devon police are actively searching for a white male in connection with her death. The killing of such a prominent public figure marks a shocking moment in British political and public life.
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Police launch murder investigation into death of Ann Widdecombe
Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of former MP and TV personality Ann Widdecombe, 78, at her Dartmoor home in Devon. Officers were called to the address near Haytor on Thursday morning after the ambulance service raised concerns about the circumstances of her death. The investigation marks a shocking end for one of British politics' most recognizable figures.
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