Greater Manchester Police are reviewing a complaint made about Reform UK’s free energy bills competition amid allegations it broke electoral law.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage stated on Friday that he “not the least bit worried” that the party has not broken the law as he and Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick handed a couple who won the draw a cheque for £1,758 in a video posted on X.
The complaint came as a result of the competition potentially running during the purdah period for the local election campaign. There have also been complaints that Mr Farage knew the winners who were party members.
Greater Manchester Police issued a statement on Friday stating that it had received a report about the competition and that officers “are currently reviewing the matter”. However, it did not disclose what the potential offence is.
Karl Turner MP, who is currently suspended from the Labour Party, told Sky News Reform’s competition “might be considered ‘treating’” if it happened inside the pre-election period for local authorities, which started on 30 March.
Reform’s free energy bills competition ran from 17 March to 31 March, and the winners were announced on 9 April.
The Electoral Commission said in a statement: “Some activity designed to incentivise voter behaviour may be considered an offence, including bribery and treating.
“It would be for the police to consider the facts of any allegations made to them, in order to determine if an offence has been committed. Any allegations should be reported directly to the police.”
Concerns over the way the party was harvesting and using data had already been raised but Reform UK said the draw had been cleared by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Party sources said many members had entered the competition so it was no surprise that a supporter won and that there was video evidence of the randomised draw taking place for legal purposes. It is understood the draw was open to both members and non-members.
The victorious couple were members of the party described as “staunch supporters”.