The number two at Reform UK threatens the Guardian with legal action

Richard Tice, vice-chairman of the Reform UK party, has issued a cease and desist letter to the Guardian following articles about his financial dealings, which were reported to the national crime agency. He is accused of attempting to intimidate journalists and divert attention from his own affairs.

The letter came from his lawyers, and it specifically targeted a Guardian correspondent. Richard Tice, deputy leader of the Reform UK party, sent a legal threat to the British newspaper in response to a series of articles detailing several of his financial transactions, which were then passed on to the National Crime Agency, the British equivalent of a central anti-crime office.

The move has sparked fierce criticism. Tice is accused of using "unpleasant tactics" to pressure the press and, according to her detractors, to divert public attention from her own affairs. The legal proceedings aim, in particular, to obtain the release of documents that could identify the journalist's sources.

This attempt to force a media outlet to reveal its sources is seen as a direct attack on whistleblower protection and press freedom. Critics point out that this type of legal action can have a chilling effect on investigative journalists far beyond the specific case in question.