Fraudster George Cottrell seen at numerous Reform events despite ‘no formal role’ in party

Cottrell (left) with Farage at a pro-Brexir rally in London in March 2019. Photograph: Mark Kerrison/Alamy View image in fullscreen Cottrell (left) with Farage at a pro-Brexir rally in London in March 2019. Photograph: Mark Kerrison/Alamy Fraudster George Cottrell seen at numerous Reform events despite ‘no formal role’ in party Nigel Farage urged to clarify ‘dependence’ on Cottrell, who also joined Reform leader in Abu Dhabi in December Nigel Farage has been accompanied by his friend George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster, to numerous Reform events and fundraisers and a trip to Abu Dhabi, raising questions about the claim that he has no official role in the party. Labour has called on Farage to clarify his “personal and financial dependence” on Cottrell, who also has been supporting his lifestyle through accommodation and security before the election. Analysis of Reform events shows Cottrell is frequently present at party press conferences and backstage at rallies, as well as joining Farage for media appearances, such as interviews with protesters outside the Iranian embassy earlier this year. He was also in attendance when Farage visited north London after a terror attack on the Jewish community, and at a Brexit “bad boys” reunion lunch at a Mayfair restaurant last month. View image in fullscreen Farage (centre) with Cottrell (right) at L'Escargot Restaurant in London in January 2020 to watch the unveiling of a portrait of himself titled Mr Brexit. Photograph: Kirsty O’Connor/PA In December 2025, Cottrell was present when Farage went to Abu Dhabi, funded by its government, to “attend the F1 and for meetings”. Nick Candy, the party’s honorary treasurer, was also there. The Guardian has also previously revealed that Cottrell was present on a 2022 trip to Thailand with Farage at the resort of Christopher Harborne, the megadonor who has given £15m to the party and £5m to Farage personally . Reform and Cottrell’s lawyers have previously said Cottrell “is an unpaid volunteer with no formal role at Reform UK , like many thousands of party members”. However, Farage is now under pressure to clarify the degree of Cottrell’s influence within Reform, given he so often has access to the party leader and joins him at events and on trips. 24:34 Who is George Cottrell, the mystery donor who has potentially landed Nigel Farage in hot water? The Times reported this week that Cottrell had given out a business card with his name on and an official email address for Farage, as well as having provided security, accommodation and staffing for the Reform UK leader before the election. In 2016 Cottrell was charged with 21 offences for his alleged role in a “dark money” laundering scheme. He pleaded guilty to wire fraud and spent time in prison in Arizona, though he is now seeking a pardon from Donald Trump. Cottrell in custody. Photograph: Federal Bureau of Prisons Reform acknowledged on Sunday that gifts had been received from Cottrell but said they had been personal g