The UK government has launched an independent review into foreign financial interference in domestic politics, prompted by the recent conviction and lengthy prison sentence of former politician Nathan Gill for accepting bribes to promote Russian interests.
Gill, a former member of the right-wing Reform UK party and ex-representative in the European Parliament, was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison after admitting he received approximately £40,000 between 2018 and 2019 in exchange for making pro-Russian statements in various forums. Prosecutors presented evidence of payments and directives from a sanctioned former Ukrainian lawmaker, as well as incriminating material found on Gill’s phone.
In response, Housing and Communities Secretary Steve Reed described Gill’s conduct as a “stain on our democracy” during a Commons statement on Tuesday and confirmed the review will examine the integrity of political financing laws and safeguards against illicit foreign money. The independent inquiry, to be led by former senior civil servant Philip Rycroft, aims to recommend reforms to help prevent similar interference in future UK elections and political processes.
Reed told MPs the review, which is expected to report by the end of March, will look closely at current political finance rules, including how they apply to donations, campaign funding, and the growing use of digital currencies. Findings could inform changes to upcoming legislation, including the planned Elections Bill.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stressed the need to reinforce democratic integrity and urged political parties to take the threats of foreign influence seriously. Starmer also called on Reform UK leadership to investigate any potential links beyond Gill that might warrant scrutiny, though the party has denied institutional involvement.
Reform UK, despite holding few seats in Parliament, has recently led in some opinion polls. The party has condemned Gill’s actions as “reprehensible” and insisted the probe should be comprehensive in scope, possibly including scrutiny of interference from other states such as China.
The announcement comes amid broader concerns about foreign influence in Western democracies, with intelligence leaders warning of sophisticated efforts by state actors to covertly shape political discourse and policy outcomes. Russian and Chinese interference has featured prominently in recent security discussions, feeding pressure on Westminster to tighten legal frameworks and transparency around political funding.
While the review is independent, ministers emphasise it underscores a renewed commitment by the UK government to defend democratic processes from covert external influence, seeking to reassure voters and international partners that British political institutions remain resilient.
