Reform UK Launches Investigation into MP Rupert Lowe’s Conduct
Reform UK has announced the initiation of an independent investigation into the actions of its Member of Parliament, Rupert Lowe, leading to the withdrawal of the party whip. In an official statement, the party’s chair, Zia Yusuf, alongside chief whip Lee Anderson, revealed that they had received serious complaints regarding allegations of bullying directed towards staff members, as well as threats of physical violence against Yusuf himself. These latter allegations have prompted a report to the police.
In response, Lowe has vehemently denied these claims, labeling them as “untrue and false,” and suggested that these allegations were a result of his public challenge to party leader Nigel Farage.
In their statement released on Friday afternoon, Yusuf and Anderson expressed their regret in disclosing the complaints, which originated from two female employees regarding serious bullying incidents in Lowe’s parliamentary and constituency offices. They indicated that complaints had also been filed with parliamentary authorities.
The statement detailed:
- Evidence of workplace bullying: There were reports of targeted harassment against female staff who raised concerns.
- Discriminatory remarks: Evidence was provided of derogatory comments made about women, including references to perceived disabilities.
They emphasized their duty of care to all staff, whether directly or indirectly employed, and appointed an independent King’s Counsel to investigate the veracity of these complaints. To date, they noted that Mr. Lowe had not cooperated with the investigation.
The statement further elaborated that Lowe had made threats of physical violence against the party chairman on at least two occasions, which is now a matter for the police.
A spokesperson for Reform later confirmed the withdrawal of the whip from Rupert Lowe.
Lowe expressed his disappointment, stating that he was “not surprised to read Reform’s untrue and false allegations.” In a statement shared on social media platform X, he described the allegations of physical threats as “outrageous and entirely untrue,” asserting that he had never made derogatory comments about women or individuals with disabilities. He characterized the claims as “a lie” and indicated he would be seeking legal counsel immediately.
He continued, stating:
- It was no surprise that these “vexatious statements” were issued following his reasonable inquiries directed at Farage and the Reform structure.
- He commented on Farage’s leadership capabilities, suggesting that it was too early to determine whether Farage could deliver effective leadership.
In his statement, Lowe claimed that he had been “frozen out of meetings, policy discussions, press conferences, and more.” He expressed concern that his repeated requests for enhanced communication and regular meetings were ignored and ridiculed.
He urged supporters of Reform to “stay with the party,” emphasizing that internal conflicts serve only to aid their adversaries. However, he also remarked that the inability to accept even mild constructive criticism is indicative of ineffective leadership.
Rupert Lowe’s Full Statement
In his detailed statement, Lowe expressed:
- His disappointment at the allegations, asserting they are based on zero credible evidence.
- His cooperation with the KC they appointed, which he claimed has found no evidence against him.
- His strong denial of making any derogatory comments, asserting that the allegations are false.
- His frustration over being excluded from essential discussions and decisions, despite his attempts to communicate and improve party structure.
- His belief that the party’s resources should not be spent on investigating baseless claims.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the party and its supporters, stating the importance of unity in achieving their goals for the upcoming election. He emphasized that constructive criticism should be welcomed rather than met with hostility, arguing for a collective approach to leadership within the party.
