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Cambridge University has said it is examining the conduct of James Orr, its associate professor and a top Reform UK aide, after he was filmed appearing to try to circumvent electoral laws on foreign political donations. Orr, the suspended head of policy for Reform, is one of two senior officials to step aside after claims he orchestrated a plot to have polling paid for by a foreign firm—something impermissible under British electoral law. The academic was filmed by Verbatim, an investigative group, seemingly attempting to sidestep election laws.
In a statement, a Cambridge University spokesperson said: "The university is looking into these matters." Orr teaches religion at Cambridge’s divinity faculty and is known as Reform UK's "philosopher king" by Politico. His high-level US political contacts within the MAGA movement were a key attraction for senior Reform figures. JD Vance, the US vice-president, has called him his "intellectual mentor" and "British Sherpa." Footage from Channel 4 News and Verbatim undercover investigation showed Orr discussing commissioning polling secretly organized by Reform but suggesting it be paid for by a US company linked to a fake supporter’s supposed father.
Orr later posted a video denying any wrongdoing, calling Verbatim "politically motivated actors trying to discredit a political opponent through dubious legal means." On Friday, Orr and Dan Jukes, a senior Farage aide, stepped down pending an internal party investigation. Farage distanced himself from them, stating they should have followed proper fundraising channels. The Guardian has not yet received a comment from Orr.
Source: The Guardian
