Former MP Rupert Lowe claims his suspension from Reform UK is part of a larger effort to undermine him, raising serious allegations of bullying and internal strife within the party.
Rupert Lowe, a former Member of Parliament for Reform UK, has publicly accused the party of suspending him as part of a wider effort to undermine his position and influence within the organisation. The allegations surrounding his suspension include claims of serious bullying against two female staff members and threats of physical violence towards the party’s chairman, Zia Yusuf. This internal turmoil has sparked substantial debate regarding the leadership dynamics within Reform UK.
In a recent YouTube interview with journalist Dan Wootton, Lowe asserted that he is being targeted for being a “tall poppy” who threatens to overshadow Nigel Farage, the party’s founder and prominent figure. Lowe expressed doubt regarding any potential return to Reform UK, stating, “It is highly unlikely I will be ever allowed to return to the party,” and posited that the party is actively attempting to “blacken” his reputation.
Lowe, who represents Great Yarmouth, raised further suspicions about the motivations behind his suspension, suggesting that both Farage and Yusuf may have objected to his comments regarding sensitive subjects such as “mass deportations” and “Pakistani rape gangs.” He indicated that the party had previously advised him against using the term “mass deportations” at a rally scheduled in Kemi Badenoch’s North West Essex constituency.
The controversies escalated over the weekend when the party formally withdrew the whip from Lowe amid allegations that two female staff members had accused him of bullying and that he had threatened Yusuf. This led to the appointment of a King’s Counsel (KC) to investigate the claims. Lowe maintains that the accusations of bullying are not directly related to him personally and involve staff members who themselves are facing their own disciplinary actions.
He made a public call on Monday for the party to retract its allegations and issue an apology, referencing a social media post by former Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen, who stated one of the women who made allegations about bullying had clarified those claims were not directed at Lowe specifically, but rather involved another staff member.
In response, Lee Anderson, the chief whip of Reform UK, reiterated that a KC had been appointed to investigate the allegations and remarked that Lowe had been publicly rebuked for making false claims. Reports also suggest a larger internal conflict within Reform UK, with claims that up to 7,000 party members may have resigned in protest against Lowe’s treatment. However, the party disputes this figure.
Supporters of Lowe, including some former councillors from Reform, suggested that his suspension may bolster efforts to form a new political group on the hard right, given his popularity with the grassroots members of the party. Alex Stephenson, one such former councillor, remarked, “Rupert’s very popular with the Reform grassroots,” suggesting that his forthright manner resonates with that faction of the party.
On the same day, Lowe announced his intentions to pursue legal action against Reform UK over what he described as a “political assassination” following his criticism of Farage’s leadership. He asserted, “I will not have my name dragged through the mud,” emphasising his commitment to challenging the allegations.
Farage responded to Lowe’s accusations, asserting that he does not fall out with colleagues, claiming instead that those he works with often choose to disrupt their relationship with him. He mentioned ongoing behavioural issues with Lowe, suggesting that the party had to act when faced with serious allegations.
As the tension within Reform UK continues to escalate, the internal strife has not only raised questions about Lowe’s future but also about the broader direction of the party as it grapples with its identity and leadership.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://news.sky.com/story/richard-tice-says-reform-uk-made-right-judgement-to-suspend-mp-over-allegations-of-bullying-13324920 – This article supports the claims of bullying and threats made against Reform UK’s chairman, Zia Yusuf, which led to Rupert Lowe’s suspension. It also discusses the timing and context of these allegations.
- https://www.politico.eu/article/farage-says-row-over-sacking-of-reform-mp-dents-sense-of-unity – This article corroborates the internal turmoil within Reform UK following Lowe’s suspension and highlights the leadership dynamics and infighting within the party.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This source provides the original context and details about Rupert Lowe’s accusations against Reform UK and his intentions to pursue legal action.
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/03/10/nigel-farage-reform-uk-rupert-lowe-suspension/ – This article would likely discuss Farage’s perspective on the situation, including his comments on Lowe’s behavior and the party’s decision to suspend him.
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11864457/Rupert-Lowe-says-Nigel-Farage-led-party-protest-party-messiah.html – This article supports Lowe’s criticisms of Farage’s leadership style and his description of Reform UK as a ‘protest party led by the messiah’.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64811149 – This article would typically provide a balanced view of the situation, including the allegations against Lowe and the response from Reform UK, offering additional context on the party’s internal conflicts.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative is recent, referencing events from March 2025. However, it does not contain any outdated information or references to past events that would suggest it is recycled.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Direct quotes from Rupert Lowe and Nigel Farage are included, but the earliest known references for these quotes could not be verified online. This suggests they might be original or recent statements.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Guardian, a well-known and reputable publication. This generally indicates a high level of reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about internal conflicts within Reform UK and allegations against Lowe are plausible given the context of political parties and their internal dynamics. However, some specific details, such as the number of resigning members, are disputed and lack concrete evidence.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be recent and originates from a reliable source. While some specific claims lack verification, the overall context and quotes suggest a plausible scenario within the realm of political party dynamics.
