An internal inquiry commissioned by Reform UK has cleared the party of breaking electoral laws during a controversy involving undercover journalists and potential overseas donations. The investigation followed a media report that captured senior party officials discussing methods to bypass funding regulations.

The controversy began when hidden cameras recorded high-ranking staff members appearing to advise an individual on how to channel foreign money into the political organization. Under United Kingdom rules, political donations are strictly limited to registered voters and businesses operating within the country.

During the sting operation, an investigator posing as the representative of an overseas donor discussed a substantial six-figure contribution. Party officials were recorded exploring workarounds, such as routing funds through a domestic relative or funding specific campaign research through external entities.

In response to the broadcast, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's senior aide, Dan Jukes, along with the party's head of policy, James Orr, stepped down from their positions while an independent review took place. The newly released internal report concluded that neither official violated any laws, noting that no actual donation was ever finalized or accepted by the party.

Although the inquiry found no criminal wrongdoing, it acknowledged that individuals associated with the party made careless and inaccurate statements. The report also criticized internal communication channels, stating that the organization failed to ask critical questions that could have uncovered the deception earlier.

The party announced plans to overhaul its internal protocols to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Meanwhile, Reform representatives criticized the media organization behind the sting, accusing them of unlawful conduct and indicating that legal action would be pursued.

Despite the conclusions of the internal review, law enforcement agencies are continuing an independent criminal inquiry into the matter. Party leadership stated that decisions regarding the future employment status of the two officials who stepped down will be postponed until the police investigation concludes.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.