Met Police probe foreign donation claim to Reform MP Jenrick
A Metropolitan Police investigation into an alleged illegal foreign donation to Robert Jenrick highlights ongoing scrutiny of political financing as the MP navigates his new role in Reform UK.
The Metropolitan Police has opened a formal investigation into a donation made to Robert Jenrick during his 2024 Conservative leadership campaign. The force confirmed the probe follows a January 6 referral from the Electoral Commission concerning funds connected to a political party leadership contest.
At the centre of the inquiry is £37,500 from a larger £100,000 donation given by the company Spott Fitness. British businessman Phillip Ullmann revealed last September that he was the financial backer behind the Spott Fitness contribution. However, regulators have been examining claims that a significant portion of that money actually originated from Innovyz, a United States company founded by Gary Klopfenstein. Klopfenstein pleaded guilty to committing wire fraud in the US in 2024.
Under British electoral law, foreign donations to domestic politicians are strictly prohibited. For European investors and businesses monitoring the UK, police interventions into campaign financing inject a degree of political uncertainty. It underscores the regulatory risks surrounding the funding of UK political movements at a time of significant party realignment.
Jenrick ran to replace Rishi Sunak in the summer of 2024, ultimately losing to Kemi Badenoch. He has since defected from the Conservatives to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, making him a prominent figure in the newer party's parliamentary ranks. He firmly denied any wrongdoing regarding the donation. "The allegations are entirely false," he said. "I have had no contact with the Met Police whatsoever in connection with this matter."
A spokesman for Jenrick argued the claims were an "untrue, politically motivated smear, put about years later by the Conservatives". The spokesman noted that Ullmann was introduced to Jenrick by a Tory MP and that the donation's permissibility was officially checked by the Conservative Party at the time. "Robert and his campaign team complied with all electoral laws," the spokesman added. He stated Jenrick provided detailed records to the Electoral Commission and has never met, spoken to, or had contact with Klopfenstein.
The Conservative Party stated that all candidates in the 2024 leadership race were reminded of the laws surrounding permissible donations. A spokesperson for Ullmann declined to comment, while the Met Police confirmed the investigation remains ongoing.
