George Cottrell

George Cottrell, aka 'Posh George', is a convicted fraudster, close friend and aide of Nigel Farage, and co-author of the book 'How to Launder Money'. Cottrell pleaded guilty to wire fraud in 2017 after offering to launder money for US federal agents posing as drug dealers, and spent eight months in prison. In July 2026, the Sunday Times reported that Farage had failed to declare significant benefits provided by Cottrell, including staff, security and accommodation, which would have potentially breached parliamentary rules. Farage resigned his seat and fought a by-election in Clacton on 13 August 2026, which he won with 62.8% of the vote. The parliamentary standards investigation into the undisclosed benefits subsequently resumed.