Labour Party Calls for Gambling Commission Probe into Reform UK-Linked Firms
The Labour Party has formally requested that the UK Gambling Commission investigate two companies with ties to Reform UK donors and associates. The request follows reports that these firms may be operating gambling services without the required regulatory licenses.
Bridget Phillipson, chair of the Labour Party, has submitted a formal request to the Gambling Commission, the UK’s gambling regulator, seeking an investigation into two specific entities: Tether.bet and Fispay. Tether.bet is a Montenegro-based gambling platform, while Fispay is a UK-registered company currently owned by Mowbray Jackson, who serves as the data protection officer for the Reform UK party.
The request for an inquiry stems from recent allegations published by the Sunday Times, which suggested that both companies have been conducting gambling operations without obtaining the necessary licenses required by UK law. The Labour Party’s intervention highlights growing scrutiny regarding the financial and professional networks surrounding Reform UK and its leadership.
This development adds to existing political pressure on Reform UK, as the party and its key figures are already facing scrutiny regarding campaign funding. Specifically, a £5 million donation made to Nigel Farage by crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne is currently under review by parliamentary authorities. As of now, the Gambling Commission has not issued a formal statement regarding whether it will launch a full investigation into the specific allegations against Tether.bet and Fispay. The situation remains a point of political contention, with Labour positioning the request as a matter of regulatory oversight and accountability, while Reform UK has yet to provide a detailed public rebuttal to the specific claims regarding these business entities.
📡 Media Analysis
How each outlet framed the story — angles, word choices, and what they chose to push or ignore.
Framed the story as a necessary regulatory inquiry into the questionable business practices of political opponents.
"urged to investigate claims"
✓ Only outlet to report: Identified the specific roles of Mowbray Jackson and Christopher Harborne in relation to Reform UK.
⚡ Where Sources Disagree
- ·Whether the companies are technically required to hold a UK license given their operational structure.
🔍 What Nobody's Reporting
- ·A response or statement from Reform UK or the companies named in the allegations.
- ·Clarification from the Gambling Commission on whether these companies fall under their current jurisdiction.
📰 Sources
0 A-rated source(s) among 1 total. Lowest trust: The Guardian (B)