The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into a political donation of 40.000, connected to reform UK MP Robert Jenrick’s campaign to become leader to conservative party in 2024. The inquiry follows a referral from the Electoral Commission, which said it identified evidence of potential offences beyond its legal remit and passed the matter to police on 6 January 2026.
Jenrick who represented Newark as a conservative MP during the leadership contest sought to replace former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak following the party’s defeat in the 2024 General Election. He was ultimately defeated by Kemi Badenoci before later joining Reform UK, where he now serves as the party’s Treasury spokesperson.
Donation under scrutiny over alleged foreign funding
The investigation centres on 37,500, part of a 100,000 donation made by British entrepreneur Philip Ullmann through Sport Fitness Ltd to support Jenrick’s leadership campaign. Allegations claim that the disputed portion of the donation may have originated from American businessman Gary Klopfenstein potentially breaching UK electoral laws that prohibit foreign donation to political campaigns.
Reports indicate that Ullmann and Klopfenstein are currently involved in a legal dispute. While confirming that an investigation is underway, the Metropolitan Police have not identified the individuals who are the subject of the inquiry. The Electoral Commission has also suspended its own investigation while the police process continues.
Jenrick’s Strongly rejections allegations
Robert Jenrick has categorically denied any wrongdoing, describing as “entirely false” He argued that the claims form the party for a politically motivated campaign aimed at undermining Reform UK and preventing the party from gaining further political momentum.
The MP also stated that he has had no direct contact with Metropolitan Police regarding the investigation. A spokesperson for reform UK dismissed suggestions that Jenrick knowingly accepted an impermissible donation, insisting that all legal requirements were followed when the contribution was received.
Campaign insists all electoral rules were followed
According to Jenrick’s spokesperson, Phillip Ullmann was introduced to the campaign by a Conservative MP, and the permissibility of the donation was verified by the Conservative Party before it was accepted. The campaign maintains that it fully complied with UK electoral law throughout the leadership contest.
The spokesperson further stated that Jenrick has never met, spoken with, or had any contact with Gary Klopfenstein and only became aware of his alleged connection to the donation after being contacted by the Electoral Commission’s inquiry by providing detailed documentation, which it believes disproves the allegations.
The Metropolitan Police investigation remains ongoing, and no criminal charges have been announced. The outcome of the inquiry is expected to determine whether any offences relating to political donations under UK electoral law have been committed.
