HMRC examines finances of Farage ally 'Posh George'

the wealthiest areas of west London. Cottrell has emerged as a senior figure within Reform’s leadership and supporter network at a time when the party is surging ahead in the polls.

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While Cottrell does not hold an official role, party insiders refer to him as part of Farage’s inner circle when it comes to policy developments, party funding and political strategy - particularly its growing presence on social media.

Lawyers for the British businessman said he was “not aware” of any “probe or inquiry” by HMRC or other authorities. They declined to answer a range of specific questions about his financial affairs.

Cottrell runs Geostrategy.com, which states it advises political parties and governments, according to information provided by his lawyers. Its website says it has four locations: London, Washington, Podgorica in Montenegro and Zurich, Switzerland.

He is also working on a book titled How to Launder Money, alongside an international financial investigator. Publicity materials for this book describe it as a “guide for law enforcement, prosecutors and policymakers” which “provides concrete recommendations on how to reduce the crime associated with money laundering”. It also states that Cottrell’s proceeds from his book will go to “charitable causes”.