Politics
Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice Accused of Unpaid £100,000 Corporation Tax
AI Summary
The Sunday Times reports that Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, may have failed to pay almost £100,000 in corporation tax through a network of shell companies that transferred over £1.1 million to the party. Liberal Democrats have asked HMRC to investigate, while Tice and Reform UK claim the tax has been settled or will be corrected if necessary.
Alleged Tax Non‑Payment
The investigation centres on an alleged shortfall of £100,000 in corporation tax owed by companies linked to Richard Tice. The amount represents roughly 9% of the £1,113,000 that Tisun Investments Ltd transferred to Reform UK between March 2020 and May 2022.
Assuming the standard UK corporation tax rate of 19% during that period, the unpaid tax would correspond to undisclosed profits of about £526,000 (since 19% × £526k ≈ £100k).
Financial Flow and Corporate Structure
- Four shell companies were set up to receive dividends from Tice’s property investment firm.
- These entities allegedly paid no tax on profits from 2020‑2022.
- Between March 2020 and May 2022, the companies moved £1,113,000 to Reform UK.
Political Reactions
- Liberal Democrats have written to HMRC chief executive John‑Paul Marks requesting an investigation.
- Reform UK directed the Guardian to Tice’s X statement, where he pledged to “pay what is owed – be that more or less”.
- Labour party chair Anna Turley called the scandal “major” and questioned deputy leader Nigel Farage’s continued support for Tice.
- Former Conservative minister Robert Jenrick told the BBC that Tice believes he has already paid the correct tax and that HMRC is not investigating.
Potential Impact
If HMRC confirms an under‑payment, the £100,000 shortfall could trigger penalties and interest, further eroding public confidence in Reform UK’s financial governance. The controversy also highlights the broader issue of political parties receiving funds from entities with opaque tax histories.