The Metropolitan Police have opened an investigation into a donation of nearly £40,000 associated with Robert Jenrick’s 2024 Conservative Party leadership campaign. This follows a referral from the Electoral Commission concerning the origins of the funds.
Robert Jenrick, the Newark MP who lost the Tory leadership contest to Kemi Badenoch, currently serves as Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman. The inquiry centers on £37,500 of a £100,000 donation made by British entrepreneur Phillip Ullmann through Spott Fitness. Allegations suggest that the money may have originated from US businessman Gary Klopfenstein, raising concerns about a potential breach of UK election laws that prohibit foreign donations.
Reports have also revealed a legal dispute between Ullmann and Klopfenstein regarding the funds. However, the Metropolitan Police have not disclosed any suspects or individuals currently under investigation.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed that the investigation began after a referral from the Electoral Commission on 6 January and that the inquiry is ongoing. The Electoral Commission has also stated that it has paused its own investigation pending the outcome of the police enquiry.
Robert Jenrick has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as “entirely false”. He accused establishment forces of conducting politically motivated smears aimed at undermining Reform UK. His team added that the permissibility of the donation was verified by the Conservative Party before it was accepted and emphasized that Jenrick had no contact with Gary Klopfenstein.
A Reform UK spokesman stressed that Jenrick and his campaign complied fully with electoral laws. They also confirmed cooperation with the Electoral Commission, providing detailed evidence in 2025 that refuted the allegations.
Originally published by UKNIP.
