Reform UK refers MP Rupert Lowe to police

The Reform UK party has announced the suspension of MP Rupert Lowe and has referred him to the police. The party alleges that Lowe made "threats of personal physical violence" against party chairman Zareer Yusuff. The party is taking these allegations seriously and will fully cooperate with the authorities.

Yusuff and Chief Whip Lee Anderson said in a statement that the party had also received allegations of bullying by Lowe in his parliamentary and constituency offices. The party has appointed a lawyer to investigate allegations of "workplace bullying" made by two female employees. This investigation aims to uncover the truth and ensure a safe working environment for all staff.

Lowe posted on social media platform X that the party's allegations were "untrue and false," and that he was "disappointed but not surprised" to read them. He added that there was no "credible evidence" against him and that he was "immediately seeking legal advice." Lowe believes his suspension is a response to his criticism of party leader Nigel Farage in a newspaper interview. He maintains his innocence and intends to fight the allegations.

Reform UK, the successor to Farage's Brexit Party, has been performing strongly in recent opinion polls. However, the Lowe affair is a notable public split at the top of the party. The party has only five MPs in the House of Commons, and Lowe's suspension means it has now lost one seat. This incident may affect the party's momentum and public image.

According to a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police, "On Thursday, 6th March, we received an allegation of verbal threats made by a 67-year-old man on Friday, 13th December 2024. Officers are assessing the allegations to determine what further action may be required." The party said in a statement that it had appointed a senior lawyer (KC) to investigate bullying allegations in Lowe's office, adding that a complaint had been made to parliamentary authorities. "To date, Mr Lowe has not co-operated with this investigation," the statement added. "In addition to these allegations of a disturbing pattern of behaviour, Mr Lowe has threatened physical violence against our Party Chairman on at least two occasions. Accordingly, the matter has been referred to the police." The police are currently reviewing the evidence to determine the next course of action.

Reform UK sources deny that the investigation into Lowe is related to his public dispute with Farage. Former Conservative commentator Tim Montgomerie, who joined Reform UK last December, said that when he arrived at Reform UK, he "sensed" a "tension" between Farage and Lowe. He told the BBC's "Newsnight" program: "I certainly didn't know about these specific allegations, but I thought something was going to blow up sooner or later anyway." The internal conflicts within the party seem to be escalating, raising questions about its stability.