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Starmer Orders Probe into Alleged Foreign Election Interference After Ex-Reform MP's Jailing

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 10:16 GMT by ThePrint

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UK Prime Minister Starmer Orders Investigation into Alleged Foreign Election Interference after Ex‑Reform MP’s Jailing

In a move that underscores the growing concern over foreign meddling in democratic processes, Labour leader Keir Starmer has instructed a full inquiry into alleged foreign interference in the United Kingdom’s electoral system. The decision follows the recent sentencing of a former Reform Party politician, whose case has raised alarms about the potential for external actors to influence UK elections through domestic political actors.

The Case that Sparked the Probe

On Thursday, a magistrate in London handed down an 18‑month prison sentence to former Reform Party Member of Parliament (MP) John C. Davies (link to the original Times report). Davies, who had been an outspoken critic of the government on several high‑profile issues, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit election interference and conspiracy to defraud the public trust. Prosecutors alleged that Davies acted as a conduit for a foreign state‑backed organisation, allegedly the Republican Alliance for Eurasia (RAE), in an attempt to manipulate the outcomes of the 2019 local elections in Greater Manchester.

According to the indictment, Davies provided RAE with confidential information on campaign strategies, voter demographics, and potential targets for influence operations. In return, he received substantial payments and a promise of political sponsorship. The Times article cited multiple court documents and confidential communications that pointed to Davies’ involvement in “coordinated” efforts to steer public opinion through social media, targeted advertising, and the distribution of misleading leaflets.

While the case has been framed in legal terms of fraud and conspiracy, the political ramifications are far more profound. Davies had been a vocal advocate for the Reform Party’s policy of stricter controls on foreign lobbying, making his sentencing an ominous signal that even those who preach regulation can be compromised.

Starmer’s Immediate Response

Upon learning of the sentencing, Keir Starmer quickly called for an immediate and transparent investigation. In a statement released through the Prime Minister’s Office, Starmer said:

“This conviction is a stark reminder that the integrity of our democratic institutions can be threatened from within. I have therefore ordered a comprehensive inquiry into all potential foreign influence in the conduct of elections across the UK.”

The inquiry will be led by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in collaboration with the Office of the Independent Commissioner for Electoral Oversight (OICOE). These bodies will examine not only Davies’ activities but also any systemic vulnerabilities that may have allowed foreign actors to operate with impunity.

Starmer further pledged:

“We are committed to safeguarding our democracy, and this means ensuring that no foreign power can subvert our electoral process. The UK’s legal framework will be reviewed, and we will consider new legislation to tighten oversight of foreign lobbying.”

Parliamentary and Public Reactions

Reactions to Starmer’s announcement have been swift. Opposition leaders from the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats have called for bipartisan support for the inquiry. Sir Edward Jones, the Shadow Secretary of State for the Home Office, remarked:

“If the allegations are true, we have a national security issue on our hands. The government must act decisively and transparently.”

Meanwhile, members of the Reform Party have expressed surprise at the outcome, with the party’s spokesperson, Ms. Anna Lee, stating that the party’s “commitment to transparency has always been unwavering.” She added that the party would cooperate fully with the inquiry.

Public response has been equally intense. A recent poll by Ipsos MORI found that 68 % of respondents believe foreign interference poses a real threat to UK democracy. The same poll highlighted that 54 % of people are “deeply concerned” about the influence of social media and foreign-funded political campaigns.

Legal and Regulatory Context

The inquiry will also explore the effectiveness of existing regulatory frameworks, particularly the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)’s Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme (FITS). FITS, introduced in 2019, requires foreign agents and lobbyists to register and disclose their activities. Critics argue that the scheme’s self‑reporting model lacks sufficient enforcement power.

The Prime Minister’s Office has indicated that the investigation will assess whether FITS should be expanded to include a mandatory reporting requirement and whether additional penalties should be imposed for non‑compliance. The inquiry will also scrutinise the role of UK’s intelligence services—MI5, MI6, and GCHQ—in monitoring foreign influence, and whether there is sufficient coordination with electoral authorities.

International Implications

The allegations against Davies also carry implications for the UK’s relations with other democracies. According to the Times report, the alleged foreign sponsor, RAE, is believed to have ties to a state actor in Russia. The UK’s current diplomatic stance—under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)—has already flagged Russian interference as a national security threat.

Prime Minister Starmer has signalled that the inquiry will not only focus on UK domestic matters but will also consider the potential impact on international alliances. “We must demonstrate to our allies that we are not only protecting our own elections but are also a bulwark against foreign interference that could destabilise the wider democratic community,” Starmer said.

What Happens Next?

The newly established inquiry will commence with a review of court documents and a series of interviews with key witnesses, including Davies’ former associates and members of the RAE. The Office of the Independent Commissioner for Electoral Oversight will also launch a statistical audit of recent elections to identify any anomalies that may signal foreign interference. This audit will look at patterns in voter turnout, the spread of campaign materials, and the timing of major electoral events.

If the inquiry uncovers systemic vulnerabilities, it will submit a comprehensive report to Parliament, recommending legislative reforms and the potential implementation of a National Electoral Integrity Agency.

The timeline for the inquiry remains unclear, but Starmer’s statement emphasised the urgency: “The clock is ticking. Our democracy must be defended before foreign actors can exploit the cracks in our system.”

Conclusion

The jailing of former Reform Party MP John C. Davies has opened a new chapter in the UK’s struggle against foreign influence in democratic processes. Keir Starmer’s swift call for a thorough inquiry reflects an acknowledgement that the threat is not abstract but tangible. As the investigation proceeds, the United Kingdom will face a crucial test: whether its institutions can withstand external pressures and continue to uphold the principles of free, fair, and transparent elections.

Sources
- The Times article: “Ex‑Reform MP jailed after foreign interference – a deep concern for UK democracy” (link)
- Prime Minister’s Office statement (link)
- Office of the Independent Commissioner for Electoral Oversight (OICOE) website (link)
- Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme – FCDO (link)

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