Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe has been reported to the police following allegations of threats of physical violence against the party’s chairman, Zia Yusuf. The claims were made in a statement issued by Mr Yusuf and the party’s chief whip, Lee Anderson, which also revealed that two female employees had lodged complaints about serious bullying in Mr Lowe’s offices.
The statement from Mr Yusuf and Mr Anderson confirmed that the party had received complaints about workplace bullying, including the targeting of female staff who raised concerns, as well as evidence of derogatory and discriminatory remarks made about women, including references to a perceived disability. The party has appointed an independent King’s Counsel (KC) to investigate the allegations, but Mr Lowe has yet to cooperate with the inquiry.
The statement read: “It is with regret that we feel obligated 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. Evidence was provided to us of workplace bullying, the targeting of female staff who raised concerns, and evidence of derogatory and discriminatory remarks made about women, including reference to a perceived disability.”
It continued: “We feel we have a duty of care to all our staff, whether employed directly or indirectly. Accordingly, we appointed an independent King’s Counsel to conduct an investigation into the veracity of these complaints. To date, Mr Lowe has yet to cooperate with this investigation.”
The statement also alleged that Mr Lowe had, on at least two occasions, made threats of physical violence against Mr Yusuf. As a result, the matter has been referred to the police. The party emphasised its commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct in public life, stating: “Reform stands for the highest standards of conduct in public life, and we will apply these standards without fear nor favour, including within our own party.”
Mr Lowe Denies Allegations
In response, Mr Lowe issued a statement vehemently denying the allegations, describing them as “untrue and false.” He dismissed the claims of physical threats as “outrageous and entirely untrue” and referenced a “vexatious complaint” made by another staff member. Mr Lowe claimed that the investigation was based on “zero credible evidence” and that the independent KC had not been provided with any substantiated claims.
He said: “I am disappointed, but not surprised, to read Reform’s untrue and false allegations. Let me be abundantly clear – this investigation is based on zero credible evidence against me, as has been repeatedly stated by the neutral investigator. None has been provided.”
Mr Lowe also claimed that the lawyer appointed to investigate the matter was “dismayed” that the party had issued its statement before the investigation had even begun. He added that he had cooperated fully with the KC and had spoken at length with them, despite the lack of evidence against him.
The MP further denied making any derogatory comments about women or individuals with disabilities, calling these claims “a lie.” He stated, “I have never made any derogatory comments about women or those with disabilities. This is a lie. These allegations are not even referring to me. I will be seeking legal advice immediately.”
Internal Party Tensions
The allegations come amid growing tensions within Reform UK. Earlier this week, Mr Lowe appeared to question the leadership of Nigel Farage, the party’s prominent figurehead. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Mr Lowe praised Mr Farage’s “messianic qualities” but questioned whether these would translate into effective leadership. He said, “Nigel is a fiercely independent individual and is extremely good at what we have done so far. He has got messianic qualities. Will those messianic qualities distil into sage leadership? I don’t know.”
Mr Lowe also hinted at his dissatisfaction with the party’s structure, stating, “I’m not going to be by Nigel’s side at the next election unless we have a proper plan to change the way we govern from top to bottom.” His comments drew praise from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who had previously suggested that Reform needed a new leader following an online exchange with Mr Farage.
In his statement, Mr Lowe defended his recent criticisms of the party, describing them as “reasonable and constructive.” He said, “All I stated was that communication needs to improve, delegation needs to improve, structure needs to improve – these are all reasonable requests of a party looking to form the next government. I stand by everything I said.”
Calls for Party Unity
Despite the ongoing controversy, Mr Lowe urged his supporters to remain loyal to Reform UK, describing it as “our party as much as it is Nigel’s.” He claimed to have been working behind the scenes for months to improve the way the party is run and expressed frustration that his efforts had been met with what he called a “vexatious statement” from the party leadership.
Mr Lowe also criticised the party’s decision to spend membership fees on legal investigations, stating: “I do not believe that Reform members will be pleased to know that their membership fees are being spent on instructing expensive lawyers to investigate their own MPs, over matters that are entirely baseless and have been dealt with in the correct Parliamentary procedure, with HR’s full involvement and support.”
The MP added that the staff member who raised the initial complaint had only done so after disciplinary proceedings were initiated against them for “serious wrongdoing.” He also noted that the other individual mentioned in the complaints had dropped her appeal.
What Next for Reform UK?
The allegations against Mr Lowe and his subsequent rebuttal have exposed deep divisions within Reform UK, a party that has positioned itself as a challenger to the traditional political establishment. With Mr Farage’s leadership under scrutiny and internal tensions rising, the party faces a critical period as it seeks to maintain its momentum ahead of the next general election.
As the police investigation unfolds and the independent KC continues its inquiry, the outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the future of Reform UK and its ambitions to reshape British politics. For now, both Mr Lowe and the party leadership remain at odds, with each side standing firmly by their respective claims.
