Armed forces minister Al Carns called for Nigel Farage’s party to launch a thorough investigation after its former leader in Wales, Nathan Gill, was sentenced to ten-and-a-half years in jail.
Mr Carns, who was a colonel in the Royal Marines, said Gill’s actions were “a disgrace”.
He said: “I just think wherever we see Russian influence in UK politics, it’s got to be weeded out.
“I fought for this country for 24 years, across all over the world and I’ve seen my friends be injured or killed in combat.
“To take money from an autocratic regime that is causing thousands of casualties on an unprecedented scale is unacceptable, and we must weed it out.”
Gill (52) of Anglesey, north Wales, agreed to make pro-Russian statements in the European Parliament for cash.
This is a time for serious government. We’ve got serious risks to the country
He pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery on dates between December 6 2018 and July 18 2019.
Mr Carns, who also referred to Mr Farage’s 2014 statement that he admired Russian president Putin, said: “This is a time for serious government. We’ve got serious risks to the country, we’ve seen the [spy ship] Yantar just up north off our coast just recently, and we’ve got to have serious politics.
“To find out someone is taking bribes from the Russian state is … despicable.
“And I genuinely believe that we need Reform to conduct a full investigation to winkle out, weed out any Russian influence whatsoever in the party.”
In response to a question about the current world leader he admires the most in a 2014 GQ interview, Mr Farage said: “As an operator, but not as a human being, I would say Putin.”
Mr Carns said: “Nigel Farage must urgently initiate an independent investigation into every inch of Reform UK’s party structures, membership, donors, and representatives, to give the public a cast-iron guarantee that any remaining pro-Russian links have been removed from his party.
“He must leave no stone unturned in this investigation.”
Security minister Dan Jarvis said: “Nathan Gill used his privileged position in public office to advance the malign interests of Russia over those of the UK in exchange for money – that is a betrayal of our country, our people, and our national security.
“He will now face the consequences of his actions.
“This week, I announced comprehensive action to disrupt and deter interference from foreign states. Russia’s hostility and attempts to weaken our democracy will continue to be met by the full force of the law.”
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for a “full investigation into Russian interference in our politics”.
He said: “A traitor was at the very top of Reform UK, aiding and abetting a foreign adversary.
“Nigel Farage and his party are a danger to national security.”
A Reform UK spokesman said: “Mr Gill’s actions were reprehensible, treasonous and unforgivable. We are glad that justice has been served and fully welcome the sentence Nathan Gill has received.”