# Arron Banks reportedly hired private detective to spy on journalist probing Reform UK

Arron Banks, a prominent Brexit donor, is alleged to have commissioned a private investigator to look into a journalist who was examining Reform UK. The journalist had been investigating the party's activities, and the revelation raises concerns about press intimidation and efforts to deter critical reporting.

**Importance:** 4/5

## Sources

### World
- [The Guardian World](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/aug/08/arron-banks-hired-private-detective-to-look-into-journalist-who-investigated-reform-uk) — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 11:11:54 GMT
- [The Guardian World](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/aug/10/arron-banks-surveillance-journalists-media) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:30:47 GMT