Channel 4 News broadcast an undercover operation in which an undercover reporter posed as a foreign donor looking to fund Reform.

The polls cost a combined £32,500, according to Channel 4 News, and were carried out by JL Partners.

JL Partners has said that the polls were paid for by IL Office LLC, which it had understood to be the family office of a UK-based philanthropist, William Lockwood. JL Partners has also said that it was aware of a relationship between IL Office LLC and Reform UK but was not informed of the precise nature, extent or duration of that relationship.

The Met launched an investigation into Reform’s donations in February 2025 following a referral from the Electoral Comission, and the inquiry into the recent allegations will be rolled into the continuing investigation.  

A Met spokesperson said: "Following a broadcast by Channel 4 News on Thursday 3 September, the Met received a number of reports relating to donations and polling involving a political party.

"Detectives have assessed the information provided and determined that there are potential offences requiring investigation. The potential offences are similar in nature to matters already under investigation by the Met’s Special Enquiry Team relating to donations made to the same political party. As a result, these matters will form part of that ongoing investigation. 

"All allegations under investigation relate to potential offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. 

"As part of enquiries, detectives are seeking to obtain relevant footage relating to the broadcast on Thursday 3, September.

"Detectives continue to liaise closely with the Electoral Commission and Crown Prosecution Service as enquiries progress."

The Market Research Society said last week that the matter was being referred to the Market Research Standards Board for review in line with its established complaint procedures.

The British Polling Council is also seeking further information and has said there have been breaches of its Rule 2.1, which relates to disclosure of information on polls, including clients commissioning them. 

A Reform UK spokesperson said: "Reform UK denies any wrongdoing and will fully cooperate with the investigation. We won’t be commenting further while a live investigation is underway."