Rupert Lowe has been suspended by Reform UK after being accused of “serious bullying” and making “two threats of physical violence”.
Lowe, who was this week at loggerheads with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage over his leadership, lost the whip after two female employees accused the 67-year-old of “serious bullying” in both his parliamentary and constituency offices.
The complaints, which also included allegations of derogatory comments about women and making reference to a perceived disability, have been taken to parliamentary authorities.
Lowe was also accused of making threats of “physical violence” against Yusuf on two separate occasions.
Rupert Lowe
PA
Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf and the populist party’s Chief Whip Lee Anderson confirmed that an independent King’s Counsel is leading an investigation and stressed Lowe has so far refused to cooperate with the probe.
In a statement, Yusuf and Anderson said: “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.
“One worked in his parliamentary office, the other in his constituency office, we understand complaints have been made to Parliamentary authorities.
“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.
“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.
Zia Yusuf
PA
“In addition to these allegations of a 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 we will apply these standards without fear nor favour, including within our own party.”
Lowe lost the Reform whip after reportedly being dragged over the coals by Anderson over the allegations.
Following his lengthy 567-word statement, Lowe said: “I asked reasonable and constructive questions of Nigel Farage and Reform’s leadership, following months of pushing for progress behind closed doors.
“The day after, I find a knife in my back over false allegations. Whip suspended. That tells you everything you need to know.”
Tonight’s statement comes just days after Farage slapped down Lowe following a disagreement about the populist party’s management.
Speaking to The Daily Mail, Lowe said: “It’s too early to know whether Nigel will deliver the goods.”
Nigel Farage at the recent farmers’ protest
PA
The Great Yarmouth MP also claimed Farage struggles to delegate and warned Reform will not win the next election if it continues as a “protest party led by the Messiah.
Firing back against the outspoken former Southampton FC chairman, Farage told The Sun: “We are not a protest party in any way at all.
“That is utterly wrong, utterly, completely wrong. We are an entirely positive party.”
Farage even suggested his colleague “wants to be Prime Minister” and was gunning for his job.
When asked if Lowe would remain a Reform MP at the next election, the Clacton MP added: “I hope so, he seems to be taking a tone that suggests he won’t accept us.”
