The convicted fraudster George Cottrell transferred a total of more than $2m to his mother, Fiona Cottrell, in the days before her 2024 donations to Reform UK, the Guardian understands. Half that sum was transferred directly to the party days later by Tice, with no declaration that it originated from Fiona Cottrell. Taking into account her 2024 donations to Britain Means Business and Reform UK, Fiona gave a total of £1.5m that year. Asked about the transfers, lawyers for George Cottrell said their client had no further comment. The Guardian revealed in recent weeks that Tice had received an undisclosed loan of £80,000 from George Cottrell, who has also donated to Reform UK.