Labour MP Natasha Irons has questioned whether Nigel Farage should also consider his position after two senior Reform UK figures stepped down following allegations raised by a Channel 4 undercover investigation into the party’s finances.
Reform chairman Lee Anderson confirmed on Friday morning that James Orr, the party’s head of policy, and Dan Jukes, a close aide to Farage, had been told to step down while the party conducts a full internal investigation. Anderson told Sky News there was “no chance” of the pair returning, although Orr later issued a statement disputing aspects of the allegations.
Reacting on X, Irons wrote:
“Oh boy. Given what we saw, doesn’t this beg the question of whether his boss should stand down too?”
Her intervention followed Channel 4 reporting which alleged that Orr and Jukes had arranged for a US company to fund three polls said to have cost a total of £32,500. Reform UK denies wrongdoing and has described the undercover investigation as a “hoax”.
Orr has insisted that no money reached Reform UK, saying the polling was publicly released and paid for independently.
The controversy has nevertheless intensified scrutiny of the party’s leadership. Asked whether more senior figures, including Farage, should take responsibility, Anderson said it would not be fair to comment until Reform’s internal investigation had concluded. Two key aides have now left their roles pending the outcome of that inquiry.
The Metropolitan Police has also confirmed it is aware of the allegations and will assess the matter and any information provided to it. The Electoral Commission has said that any potential attempt to evade political donation controls is a matter for the police to consider.
The row comes at an awkward moment for Reform, with Farage due to address the party’s conference in Birmingham as questions over its finances dominate the political agenda.
Irons’ intervention adds to Labour pressure on Farage personally, arguing that the departure of two figures close to the Reform leadership inevitably raises questions about accountability at the very top of the party.
