Reform UK has taken action against MP Rupert Lowe by suspending him and referring him to the police over alleged “threats of physical violence” against party chairman Zia Yusuf. In a joint statement with chief whip Lee Anderson, Yusuf also mentioned receiving complaints of bullying within Lowe’s parliamentary and constituency offices. The party has assigned a lawyer to investigate claims of “workplace bullying” raised by two female employees. Despite the accusations, Lowe has vehemently denied the allegations on social media, labeling them as “untrue and false” while stating his intention to seek legal counsel promptly.
According to the party’s statement, a senior lawyer, KC, has been tasked with looking into the bullying allegations within Lowe’s offices. The statement highlighted that Lowe had purportedly made threats of physical harm towards the party chairman on multiple occasions, prompting the involvement of law enforcement. In response, Lowe criticized the timing of the party’s allegations, insinuating they were released following his criticism of party leader Nigel Farage. Expressing his discontent with the current state of Reform UK, Lowe hinted at the possibility of departing from the party unless significant changes are implemented before the next general election.
In a rebuttal, Farage disputed Lowe’s characterization of Reform UK as a “protest party” under his leadership, denouncing the MP’s remarks as baseless. Shortly after the party’s initial announcement, a spokesperson confirmed that Lowe had been stripped of the party whip, effectively making him an independent MP without affiliation to the party within Parliament. Reform UK, which succeeded Farage’s Brexit Party, secured five seats in the House of Commons during the previous general election
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