Reform UK deputy leader Tice investigated by parliamentary watchdog
Investigation Details and Political Context
Background of the Investigation
LONDON, Aug 3 (Reuters) - The deputy leader of Britain's right-wing Reform UK party, Richard Tice, is under investigation over a possible failure to declare an interest, a parliamentary watchdog said on Monday, three months after it opened an inquiry into the party's leader.
Tice's Response to the Allegations
Tice said on X the investigation was over whether he should have declared the interest at the start of a debate on UK democracy and Israeli influence, and said it was based on a complaint by what he described as an "anti Israel" lobby group.
Parliamentary Code of Conduct
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards did not go into details on the investigation, but said it related to rule six of the parliamentary code of conduct, which states:
Relevant Parliamentary Rule
"Members (of parliament) must always be open and frank in declaring any relevant interest in any proceeding of the House or its Committees, and in any communications with Ministers, Members, public officials or public office holders."
An investigation by the commissioner does not mean that rules have been broken.
Previous and Related Investigations
Inquiry into Nigel Farage
The watchdog launched an investigation into the populist party's leader, Nigel Farage, in May over a £5 million donation from a cryptocurrency billionaire, then paused the probe after Farage resigned his parliamentary seat in July.
When he quit and announced plans to stand again for his seat, Farage said the establishment was bent on discrediting him over accusations about his finances.
Police Investigation into Party Donations
British police are also investigating at least £500,000 in donations to Reform UK party, which Tice has said is part of a "politically motivated smear campaign".
Political Impact and Polling
Reform UK had been leading in the polls for more than a year until last week, when a number of polls suggested the governing Labour Party had caught up or even retaken the lead, reflecting a bounce for new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Further Details on Tice's Interests
Tice said the complaint against him was over "whether I should have referenced my register of interests at start of a debate". Tice's list of registered interests includes a trip to Israel last September.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Sarah Young, additional reporting by Andrew MacAskill; editing by William James and Andrew Heavens)
