Tice claims ‘politically motivated smear’ amid scrutiny of Reform UK finances

Richard Tice defended Fiona Cottrell as a ‘permissible donor’ from a ‘successful aristocratic family’ (PA) - (PA Wire)

Reform UK’s deputy leader has insisted a donor at the heart of a row over the party’s finances is “permissible” and comes from a “very successful aristocratic family”.

Richard Tice said he believed reports about the money from Fiona Cottrell, the mother of George Cottrell, were a “politically motivated smear” against the party amid ongoing scrutiny of support received by its senior figures.