Reform UK told councillors to call donations probe an 'establishment stitch-up'

Reform UK has ordered its councillors to portray a police investigation into party donations as an 'establishment stitch-up', according to internal briefing documents. The move comes as polls show the party's popularity is plummeting.

The Metropolitan Police are investigating £500,000 in donations made to Reform UK by Fiona Cottrell, mother of crypto-gambler and convicted fraudster George Cottrell, a close friend of Nigel Farage. The Guardian previously revealed that Farage received a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne before the last election, which is now under a standards inquiry. The Conservatives have also asked HMRC to investigate whether Farage should have paid tax on that gift.

YouGov polling shows Farage's favourability has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, with only 22% viewing him positively and 68% negatively – a net rating of -46. This matches Boris Johnson's figures after the first 'partygate' revelations and Keir Starmer just before his resignation.

Separately, More in Common polling indicates new Prime Minister Burnham's approval rating (+13) is already higher than Starmer ever achieved. YouGov's voting intention poll shows Reform UK at 23%, Labour at 21%, and the Conservatives at 20%, tightening the race between the three parties.

Burnham has promised a 'cost of living government' and has already announced a VAT cut on electricity bills, a £2 bus fare cap, and a 20% discount on business rates for pubs and live music venues as part of a £100m support package.