Labour has called on Robert Jenrick to donate nearly £40,000 to charity that was contributed to his 2024 Conservative leadership campaign, following allegations that the sum originated from an impermissible foreign donor who has since been convicted of fraud.
Electoral Commission Investigation
The Electoral Commission is investigating claims that £37,500 of the £100,000 donation from UK company Spott Fitness ultimately came from a firm controlled by US businessman Gary Klopfenstein. The watchdog has referred evidence to the Metropolitan Police to assess whether electoral laws were broken. The police review is ongoing, and no decision has been made on whether to open a formal investigation.
Labour's Demand
Anna Turley, Labour party chair, wrote to Jenrick urging him to confirm what due diligence he conducted before accepting the funds and to donate the £37,500 to charity. She stated: “Given that the Metropolitan police are now examining these donations, and given Mr Klopfenstein’s guilty plea, the public deserves to know whether you take these matters seriously.”
Klopfenstein pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in the US in July 2024, the same month the donation was made, and is awaiting sentencing.
Jenrick's Response
Jenrick, who defected to Reform UK in January after being re-elected as a Tory MP in 2024, denied any knowledge of Klopfenstein's involvement. A spokesperson said: “The suggestion that Robert knowingly accepted impermissible donations is an untrue, politically motivated smear... Robert and his campaign team complied with all electoral laws.” Jenrick added that he has never met or contacted Klopfenstein and fully cooperated with the Electoral Commission inquiry.
Background of the Donation
The £100,000 was initially believed to come from UK businessman Phillip Ullmann, who revealed Spott Fitness was part of his family’s group of companies. However, Ullmann later informed the Electoral Commission that £37,500 of the donation originated from Klopfenstein through Innovyz USA, a company he controlled. Ullmann stated he was transparent with the Jenrick campaign about the source and was unaware of any issues with Klopfenstein's contribution.
Legal and Political Ramifications
Under UK electoral law, foreign companies and individuals are prohibited from donating to political parties or politicians. The Conservative Party had previously checked the permissibility of Spott Fitness as a donor and raised no concerns. The Metropolitan Police confirmed receipt of the Electoral Commission referral on 6 January and said it is under review.
The Electoral Commission stated: “We have been investigating donations connected to a 2024 leadership campaign. Evidence of potential offences outside our remit was referred to the Metropolitan police service on 6 January 2026. Our investigation is paused pending their assessment.”
