Former Ukip MEP denies taking money to promote Russian interests

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized a potential election pact between the Conservatives and Nigel Farage's Reform UK, labeling it an 'alliance of austerity and failure.' This response follows reports that Farage anticipates an electoral deal with the Tories, reminiscent of his previous support for Boris Johnson's Brexit agenda.

George Cottrell, a close aide to Nigel Farage and a prominent figure in Reform UK, is alleged to have acted as a frontman for a betting syndicate led by billionaire Tony Bloom, according to a lawsuit filed in the high court. The documents claim that Cottrell transferred control of his gambling accounts to this syndicate, raising serious questions about his financial dealings and connections.

UK ministers are advancing plans to ban political donations made using cryptocurrency, citing concerns over the potential risks to electoral integrity due to the difficulty in verifying the sources of such funds. This crackdown is expected to impact Nigel Farage's Reform party, although the legislation may not be ready in time for the upcoming elections bill in the new year.

David Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, has recounted his traumatic experiences of racial abuse during his youth, urging Nigel Farage to apologize for alleged racist comments made during their school years. This follows testimonies from over 20 former classmates of Farage, who have accused him of exhibiting racist and antisemitic behavior at Dulwich College.