A senior figure in Reform UK has become the subject of a formal parliamentary inquiry. According to the report, the Parliamentary Standards watchdog has said that the Reform UK deputy leader, Richard Tice, is under investigation over a failure to declare an interest. The development was made public through the parliamentary standards process, placing the MP under official scrutiny.
The details of the case were set out in an official entry. According to the report, a log has been published on the Parliamentary Standards website which names the MP as Richard Tice MP. The entry states that the code of conduct relevant to the investigation is Rule 6, and that the matter under investigation is a failure to declare an interest.
The timing of the inquiry was also confirmed in the published record. According to the report, the investigation was opened on 28 July 2026. The publication of this information on the official standards website is the way in which such inquiries are formally disclosed to the public once they have been opened.
The report also explained how such investigations come about. According to the report, the commissioner considers evidence that individual MPs may have breached the code of conduct, and if the commissioner decides that it is justified and proportionate to investigate, then the commissioner will open an investigation. This threshold sets out the basis on which the process against an MP can begin.
An important caveat was attached to the disclosure. According to the report, the fact that an inquiry is taking place does not mean that rules have been broken. The opening of an investigation is therefore a procedural step, and it does not in itself amount to a finding that the MP concerned has acted improperly.
The report went on to describe what happens after the inquiry concludes. According to the report, once the commissioner has investigated the matter, there may be a finding of no breach, or there may be a case to answer, in which situation there is a rectification process and evidence will be published online. The outcome of the process is therefore expected to be made public in due course.
The case was also placed in a broader context. According to the report, the development follows wider investigations across the political spectrum and also within Reform regarding funding, although there are no details as to the exact allegations as yet. The broadcaster said that reactions from MPs often follow swiftly and that any response would be reported when available.