Reform facing demands for probe into source of church warden's £200,000 donation

By GABRIEL MILLARD-CLOTHIER, POLITICAL REPORTER and DAN HODGES, DAILY MAIL COLUMNIST Published: 00:23, 12 July 2026 | Updated: 00:23, 12 July 2026 Reform is facing demands for a formal probe into the source of a church warden's £200,000 donation. John Richard Simpson, who works for the family of a secretive Kazakhstan-born billionaire, split the sum over seven payments between June and August last year. His company is so small it does not have to file audited accounts – and questions are now being asked how such a modest operation could afford to bankroll the party to the tune of six figures. Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: 'Questions were raised about this significant financial gift at the time. 'Given the events of the past week, it is now clear the appropriate authorities need to again review this donation.' Tory MP Charlie Dewhirst added: 'This utterly bizarre donation raises so many red flags. It's only right that the relevant authorities investigate it.' The party is already facing scrutiny over a separate £500,000 donation made in 2024, which was reported to the National Crime Agency (NCA). One source told The Mail on Sunday a former MEP still involved in Reform was also being monitored by the NCA as part of the same operation that saw Nathan Gill, the party's leader in Wales, arrested. Nigel Farage's party is facing calls for a probe into a £200,000 donation given by a church warden Former Reform leader in Wales, Nathan Gill, was jailed for ten years after pleading guilty to eight counts of bribery at the Old Bailey Gill was jailed for ten years for pocketing £40,000 of bribes for pro-Russia interviews and speeches. Reform, the Brexit Party and Ukip – each led by Mr Farage at various points – have all been the subject of investigations into financing. Gordon Brown called for the Electoral Commission to look into Reform's forerunner, the Brexit Party, in 2019 over a 'shadowy' funding system. The agency found the process left it exposed to a 'high' risk of accepting illegal donations.