The Metropolitan police have launched an investigation into £37,500 of donations made to Robert Jenrick’s 2024 campaign to become leader of the Conservative Party, following a referral from the elections watchdog. Jenrick, who has since defected to Reform UK, faces allegations that the donations came from a foreign source, in breach of electoral rules.
Police confirm inquiry after Electoral Commission referral
A Met spokesperson said: “We have launched an investigation following a referral from the Electoral Commission on Tuesday 6 January concerning donations connected to a political party’s leadership campaign. The investigation remains ongoing.” The exact scope of the inquiry is unclear, and police have not confirmed whether it relates to any specific individual.
The Guardian previously revealed in April that the Met was assessing evidence about donations to Jenrick. The Electoral Commission had been investigating claims that £37,500 from a total of £100,000 donated by UK-based company The Spott Fitness was ultimately provided by US businessman Gary Klopfenstein through his US company Innovyz USA. Under UK electoral law, foreign companies and individuals are not permitted to donate to politicians or political parties.
Jenrick denies allegations
In response, Jenrick stated that the allegations are “entirely false, but it is no surprise that an establishment determined to stop Reform from delivering the change that this country so desperately needs would resort to making these demonstrably untrue claims.” He added: “I have had no contact with the Met police whatsoever in connection with this matter.”
Jenrick has previously maintained that he and his campaign team complied with all electoral laws, and that he had no knowledge of Klopfenstein’s involvement or any connection to the Spott Fitness donation until the Electoral Commission made inquiries. A spokesperson for Phillip Ullmann, a UK businessman previously thought to be the ultimate source of the donations, declined to comment. In April, Ullmann said he was transparent with Jenrick’s campaign and voluntarily provided information to the Electoral Commission.
Political fallout for Reform UK
The revelation, first reported by The i Paper, is embarrassing for Reform UK as the party separately faces allegations about leader Nigel Farage’s funding. More Reform UK transactions worth millions have been reported to the National Crime Agency. Jenrick, now Farage’s Treasury spokesperson, was a Conservative MP fundraising for a leadership bid to replace Rishi Sunak before defecting to Reform.
Kevin Hollinrake, chair of the Conservative Party, said: “The Electoral Commission rightly referred this matter to the Metropolitan police who are now investigating. The public deserves the truth about this donation.”
