British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has initiated an independent urgent review into the extent of foreign financial interference in British politics. This was announced by Steve Reed, Minister for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, in the House of Commons.
The review is being led by former senior official Philip Raicroft and is expected to be completed by the end of March 2026. It will focus on assessing current political financing rules and the effectiveness of measures to prevent foreign influence, including donations via cryptocurrency and offshore sources. Raikroft will have access to intelligence data but will not be able to compel politicians to testify.
The decision comes amid the recent conviction of former senior Reform UK member Nathan Gill, who was sentenced to prison for accepting bribes from individuals linked to Russian interests. Gill, formerly the leader of Reform UK in Wales and a member of the European Parliament, admitted to accepting money to promote pro-Russian positions.
Minister Reed called Gill’s actions “a stain on British democracy” and stressed that the investigation would help identify vulnerabilities in the system that allow foreign states to influence politics through financial channels. Prime Minister Starmer had previously called on Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to conduct an internal investigation into possible Russian ties within the party.
Based on the audit recommendations, the government plans to amend legislation to strengthen control over donations and close loopholes for foreign influence. Reform UK welcomed the initiative, stating that it is ready to cooperate.