Reform UK has reported one of its own MPs, Rupert Lowe, to the police after accusations of “threats of physical violence” against the party’s chairman.
In a joint statement, Reform UK chair Zia Yusuf and chief whip Lee Anderson also revealed that two female employees had accused Lowe of workplace bullying.
Lowe, however, hit back, calling the allegations “untrue and false.”
Lowe denies wrongdoing
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Lowe insisted there was “zero credible evidence” against him. He also dismissed claims of physical threats as “outrageous and entirely untrue.”
“I have never made any derogatory comments about women or those with disabilities,” he added.
Reform UK’s official statement
The party issued a detailed statement explaining its decision to refer Lowe to the police.
“We regret to disclose that the party received complaints from two female employees about serious bullying in the offices of the Member of Parliament for Great Yarmouth, Rupert Lowe.
“One worked in his parliamentary office, the other in his constituency office. We understand complaints have also been made to parliamentary authorities.
“Evidence was provided to us of workplace bullying, the targeting of female staff who raised concerns, and derogatory remarks about women, including references to a perceived disability.
“We feel a duty of care to all our staff. Accordingly, we appointed an independent King’s Counsel to investigate. To date, Mr Lowe has yet to cooperate with this process.
“In addition to this disturbing pattern of behaviour, Mr Lowe has on at least two occasions made threats of physical violence against our party chairman. Accordingly, this matter is with the police.
“Reform stands for the highest standards of conduct in public life and will apply these standards without fear or favour, including within our own party.”
Clash with Farage
Lowe had already been in a public spat with Reform leader Nigel Farage. Earlier this week, he accused the party of being a “protest party led by the Messiah” and hinted he might leave if things didn’t change.
Farage hit back, saying Lowe was “completely wrong” and insisting Reform was “absolutely not a protest party.”
Lowe claims he’s being silenced
In a lengthy response on X, Lowe suggested the allegations were politically motivated.
“It’s no surprise this statement was issued the day after I questioned Nigel and the Reform structure,” he wrote. “It was posted late on a Friday afternoon, with no prior warning.”
He also claimed he had been “frozen out” of meetings, policy discussions, and press conferences, with repeated requests for better communication “ignored and mocked.”
“If they want to kick me out over false claims, they’ll have to present some credible evidence,” he said. “There is none, as the KC has just told me. Again.
“A complete inability to accept even the mildest constructive criticism without such a malicious reaction is not effective leadership. This is our party as much as it is Nigel’s.”
Lowe’s full statement can be read here:
You may also like: Alexander Armstrong moans private school tax leaves him ‘extremely poor’ – priceless reactions
