[1andrew1]

One to watch.

Tax authorities examine finances of key Nigel Farage ally

Exclusive: HMRC conducts scoping exercise into Reform UK backer ‘Posh George’ Cottrell’s income from business and wealth

The finances of one of Nigel Farage’s key confidants are being examined by the UK’s tax and revenue authorities amid questions over his income from wealth and business activities, the Guardian understands.

The scoping exercise by HMRC is said to be focused on tax residency and the business affairs of George Cottrell, whom Reform UK’s leader Farage has described as “like a son to me”.

Known as “Posh George”, Cottrell, 31, leads an expensive lifestyle, frequently travelling around the world and regularly using a £4m house in one of 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.

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

https://www.theguardian.com/business...eorge-cottrell