Reform UK accuses ITV of criminal activity over undercover reporter

Reform UK has accused ITV of "criminal activity" after discovering that the broadcaster employed an undercover reporter at the party's headquarters. The accusation comes as ITV prepares to launch its own investigation into Reform, following a Channel 4 documentary that exposed senior figures discussing how to disguise foreign donations.

Accusations of Tampering and Fraud

Richard Tice, Reform UK's deputy leader, stated that ITV and Hard Cash Productions engaged in "probable criminal activity against Reform UK." According to Tice, the allegations include "tampering with passport information and the provision of fake addresses in order to fraudulently secure employment for an undercover reporter in Reform HQ."

Tice claimed the individual, who was employed between late 2025 and early 2026, attempted to access "Nigel Farage's security and travel arrangements as well as party financial arrangements." He described the actions as "completely outrageous and illegal," noting that they exacerbate the party's security concerns.

Confidentiality and Security Concerns

Tice confirmed that the employee was "discovered after a short period and removed from office." He stated that Reform lawyers wrote to the individual in March 2026 to remind them of their legal obligations as an ex-employee regarding confidentiality. Tice alleged that the individual breached this confidentiality by planning to publicize private conversations recorded during their employment.

"Instead, they've breached that confidentiality," Tice said. "And ITV intend to publicise private conversations between fellow employees in the workplace."

Tice further criticized the media, stating that Reform is paying "significant sums" on security to protect senior figures and MPs. He argued this is a "complete waste of time" when journalists "break the law, commit criminal offences, and lie in order to circumvent vetting." He also referenced recent news that names and addresses of Reform MPs were apparently found on the phone of Joshua Kerry, who has been charged with the murder of Anne Widdecombe and terror offences against Nigel Farage.

Regulatory Context and Police Investigation

Ofcom rules state that secret recordings are permitted when the public interest, such as exposing crime or serious wrongdoing, strictly outweighs the right to privacy, and if there is no other means to obtain the information.

The current controversy follows a Channel 4 documentary that showed senior Reform figures discussing how to disguise donations from foreign sources. The Metropolitan Police subsequently launched a criminal investigation into allegations that Reform breached foreign donation rules. All allegations under police investigation relate to potential offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, according to Scotland Yard. Under electoral law, permissible donations to a UK political party must be made by UK-registered voters or a company registered in the UK.

Reform UK has denied any wrongdoing and stated it would "fully co-operate" with the police probe. An internal investigation by the party found it had broken no laws but strongly criticized two senior figures, Dan Jukes and James Orr, who were suspended pending the investigation.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights the tension between media investigative practices and political party security protocols. With ITV's documentary on the undercover operation expected to be released on October 18, the outcome could significantly impact Reform UK's public image and its ongoing legal challenges regarding campaign finance. The situation underscores the strict regulatory environment for political donations in the UK and the high stakes involved in media investigations of political parties.

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Sources

• thenational.scot: Reform accuses ITV of 'criminal activity' after hiring undercover reporter | The National
• uk.news.yahoo.com: Why Farage’s response to ITV’s investigation will shape Reform’s future - Yahoo News UK

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.