Arron Banks Enlists Private Detectives to Probe Tory Chairman

Arron Banks, the businessman and prominent supporter of

Arron Banks, the businessman and prominent supporter of Reform UK, has been revealed to have hired a private intelligence agency to investigate the Conservative Party chairman, adding to earlier disclosures that he funded surveillance on a well-known journalist.

Banks, who previously stood as a Reform UK candidate and bankrolled the Leave campaign, appeared to acknowledge on Sunday that he was responsible for the inquiry into Kevin Hollinrake, the Conservative chairman. The confirmation came after media reports linked Banks to the covert operation.

The development has intensified scrutiny of Banks's activities, coming just days after it emerged that he had also paid for a probe into a leading journalist. The nature and scope of these investigations remain unclear, but they have raised questions about the lengths to which political figures will go to gather intelligence on their opponents.

A spokesperson for the Conservative Party declined to

A spokesperson for the Conservative Party declined to comment on the matter, while Reform UK has not issued a statement. Banks, known for his outspoken style and controversial political maneuvers, has not elaborated on his reasons for targeting Hollinrake.

Political analysts note that the revelations could further strain relations between Reform UK and the Conservatives, who are competing for right-leaning voters ahead of the next general election. The use of private investigators in political disputes, while not illegal, is seen as aggressive and unusual, prompting calls for greater transparency in political fundraising and campaigning.

As the story continues to develop, observers are watching to see whether Banks's actions will have wider implications for the political landscape, particularly given his history of provocative tactics and his close ties to figures within the Brexit movement.