Reform UK may have only five MPs – dwindled to four following the suspension of Rupert Lowe on Friday – but it is certainly making enough headlines to rival any other political party. Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth, has been accused of “serious bullying” against two female employees and making “threats of physical violence” towards the party chairman Zia Yusuf. Despite these allegations, Lowe has firmly denied them, labeling them as “untrue and false,” and claiming he is a victim of a “witch hunt.” Below is a timeline detailing the tumultuous exchanges that have unfolded, culminating on Sunday evening with Reform’s barrister refuting comments attributed to her by Lowe.
Thursday: Lowe Questions Farage’s Leadership in Interview
In a revealing interview with the Daily Mail on Thursday, Lowe cast doubt on Nigel Farage’s leadership of Reform UK. When asked about his odds of being the next prime minister according to bookmakers, he remarked, “I’m barely six months into being an MP and I’m in the betting to be the next prime minister. It’s absolutely staggering. I don’t know where this has come from.” He further questioned whether Farage would make a competent prime minister, suggesting that he possessed “messianic qualities” and advocating for a shift in the party’s structure from a protest group led by a singular figure to a more organized entity with a dedicated frontbench. “We must act as if we are leading and not merely protesting,” he stated. “Nigel is a messianic figure at the core, but he must learn to delegate, as not everything can go through one person.”
Thursday: Reform Reports Lowe to the Police for Alleged Threats
On Thursday, March 6, Reform UK reported that they had received an allegation of verbal threats made by Lowe, a 67-year-old man, on December 13. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated, “Officers are carrying out an assessment of the allegations to determine what further action may be required.”
Friday: Lowe Suspended Amidst Allegations
On Friday, Lowe was suspended from the party and referred to the police following allegations of making “threats of physical violence” directed at the party chairman, Zia Yusuf. Reform UK issued a statement announcing an independent investigation, having also received complaints from two female employees regarding serious bullying in Lowe’s office. The statement indicated that evidence had been provided of “workplace bullying” along with “derogatory and discriminatory remarks.” This statement was signed by Lee Anderson, the party’s chief whip, and the chairman.
Friday: Lowe Responds to Suspension
Lowe issued a statement in response to Reform UK’s announcement regarding the independent investigation into his conduct. He claimed, “I have just spoken to the KC. She is dismayed that this statement has been made, reiterating that no evidence against me has been sent to her. She stated that this has been issued before the investigation has even started.” He expressed his shock at the process and communication from the party, emphasizing that no credible evidence had been presented despite repeated requests.
Saturday: A Call for Reconciliation
On Saturday, Lowe reached out to Nigel Farage, proposing they “have dinner” to discuss their differences and resolve ongoing issues. In a message shared on X, he lamented, “I can only smash my head against a brick wall for so long,” urging the party leader to “resolve this in a manner that our members and the country would expect.” He reiterated that he had privately extended this dinner invitation to Farage multiple times over the months, all of which had been ignored.
Sunday Morning: Clash of Perspectives
In an article for the Sunday Telegraph, Nigel Farage accused Lowe of various “outbursts” and “inappropriate behavior,” expressing that he was “surprised and saddened” by Lowe’s actions. “We did our best to keep a lid on things, but inevitably, containment strategies fail,” he wrote. In response, Lowe published his own piece in the same newspaper, stating he would “not tolerate these falsehoods” and was considering legal action. He questioned the timing of the allegations, suggesting it was no coincidence they emerged the day after he had publicly criticized Farage and the Reform leadership.
Sunday Evening: Legal Rebuttals and Counterclaims
Later on Sunday, the barrister representing Reform UK issued a statement to the BBC, clarifying, “I have seen a number of statements made by Mr. Lowe MP attributed to me regarding my reactions to the process conducted by the party concerning the allegations against both Mr. Lowe MP and his constituency manager. I find myself in the unfortunate position of having to correct the record.” She emphasized, “I have not expressed either ‘dismay’ or ‘shock’ regarding the process. Nor have I said ‘there is zero credible evidence against [Mr. Lowe].’”
Upon hearing this, Lowe responded with another statement, “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.” He added, “I have been in discussions with my legal team and will pursue legal action in due course. I will not allow my name to be tarnished as part of a political assassination for daring to question Nigel Farage. You must stand up to bullies, and that is exactly what I am doing.”
Lowe concluded, “The KC has stated she has been ‘chasing’ for that. I have received nothing because there is no credible evidence against me.” He asserted that the barrister had advised him to comment on the party’s premature announcement of the allegations without acknowledging the independent investigation that had yet to commence.
Reform UK has yet to respond to these latest developments, but the week is still unfolding.
