Reform UK hit by new donation scandal as Bardella backs Farage

Nigel Farage dismissed new financing allegations against Reform UK on Friday, as the party faces renewed scrutiny over donations. French far-right leader Jordan Bardella voiced support at the party's Birmingham congress, signing a cooperation agreement with Farage. The controversy stems from a Thursday Channel 4 undercover report showing a close aide, Dan Jukes, proposing to circumvent laws for a £500,000 donation from a US citizen. Jukes and another official, James Orr, resigned pending an internal inquiry. Farage denied any law-breaking or receipt of dubious funds, calling the report a hoax by "far-left activists." Reform UK already faces a parliamentary probe over an undeclared £5 million donation from a crypto billionaire and a police investigation into its finances. Farage, who won May's local elections, has seen Labour regain poll leads under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, with most Britons doubting his readiness to lead.