Reform UK politician fights party over conduct claims

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Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe is threatening legal action against his party following accusations of threatening behavior and bullying, intensifying internal conflicts within the Nigel Farage-led organization.

The dispute escalated after Reform UK suspended Lowe last week, citing police involvement regarding alleged threats against party chairman Zia Yusuf and reported bullying of parliamentary staff.

Lowe has dismissed these allegations as a targeted campaign to undermine his credibility, suggesting it stems from his public criticism of Farage’s leadership and party organization. He has also indicated that his strong stance on deportation policy, which has garnered support from Britain’s online right-wing community, has contributed to tensions within the party.

When Rupert Lowe visited Parliament today, he sat directly behind Reform.

What an incredible power move. pic.twitter.com/anaTKXgXTl

— James Harvey (@JamesHarvey2503) March 11, 2025

Addressing the situation on Monday, Lowe told the BBC: “Ever since this malicious attack on my reputation was launched, all I have asked for from both Reform and the KC is credible evidence against me. None has been provided. It still hasn’t. The KC has said she has been ‘chasing’ for that. I have received nothing. Because there is no credible evidence against me.”

He added: “I have been in discussions with my legal team this afternoon, and this will be followed by legal action in due course. I will not have my name dragged through the mud as part of a political assassination because I dared to question Nigel Farage. You have to stand up to bullies, and I am doing exactly that.”

The timing of these allegations has raised eyebrows, coming immediately after Lowe’s interview criticizing Farage as leading a “protest party” with a “messianic” approach. Questions have also emerged about whether some accusations target Lowe personally or his office staff.

I have been asked to post this statement from my team. pic.twitter.com/HYXsLw3KQq

— Rupert Lowe MP (@RupertLowe10) March 11, 2025

Reform Chief Whip Lee Anderson has countered Lowe’s claims, stating that “the written complaints include allegations about the conduct of Mr Lowe. I ask that Mr Lowe respects the independence of the investigation and refrains from making further false public statements.”

The assigned lawyer has also challenged Lowe’s representation of events, informing the BBC: “I have seen a number of statements made by Mr Lowe MP which are attributed to me and which describe my reactions to the process conducted by the party into the allegations made against both Mr Lowe MP and his constituency manager. I find myself in the unfortunate and regrettable position of having to make this statement to correct the record. I have not expressed either ‘dismay’ or ‘shock’ at any time as to the process. Nor have I said ‘there is zero credible evidence against [Mr Lowe],’ let alone said this ‘repeatedly’.”

This internal conflict threatens Reform’s recent political success, with the party currently leading in polls. The discord initially surfaced in December when Elon Musk questioned Farage’s leadership capabilities while suggesting Lowe as a potential alternative, though Lowe and other senior party members defended Farage’s position at that time.