The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into a campaign donation linked to Robert Jenrick's 2024 Conservative Party leadership bid.
The probe follows a referral from the Electoral Commission on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Authorities are examining a portion of a £100,000 donation made by British entrepreneur Phillip Ullmann through Spott Fitness.
Allegations suggest that £37,500 of the funds originated from US businessman Gary Klopfenstein, which would breach UK rules against foreign political donations.
A Met Police spokesperson confirmed the inquiry is active.
"We have launched an investigation following a referral from the Electoral Commission on Tuesday, 6 January concerning donations connected to a political party’s leadership campaign.
The investigation remains ongoing," the spokesperson said.
The Electoral Commission stated its own regulatory probe has been paused while police conduct a criminal investigation.
"Evidence of potential offences outside our remit was referred to the Metropolitan Police Service on 6 January 2026.
Our investigation is paused pending their investigation into this matter," an Electoral Commission spokesperson said.
Jenrick, who has since defected to Reform UK after losing the 2024 Conservative leadership race to Kemi Badenoch, strongly rejected the accusations.
"These allegations are entirely false, but it is no surprise that an establishment determined to stop Reform from delivering the change that this country so desperately needs would resort to making these demonstrably untrue claims.
I have had no contact with the Met Police whatsoever in connection with this matter," Jenrick said.
A spokesperson for Jenrick added that the politician complied with all laws and had no knowledge of any foreign connection to the funds.
"Mr Ullman was introduced to Robert by a Tory MP, and had his donations’ permissibility checked by the party.
Robert and his campaign team complied with all electoral laws when receiving the donation received from Spott Fitness Ltd in 2024.
Mr Jenrick has never met, spoken to, or had any contact with Mr Klopfenstein, nor was he aware of any connection between him and Mr Ullman’s donation until he was contacted by the Electoral Commission.
He fully co-operated with the Electoral Commission inquiry, providing detailed records that categorically disproved these smears in 2025," the spokesman said.
The investigation comes amid broader scrutiny for Reform UK, as party leader Nigel Farage stepped down as an MP this week due to separate standards investigations into unregistered donations and support.
