Infighting has erupted within the anti-immigration Reform UK party following the suspension of MP Rupert Lowe, who now serves as an independent representative for Great Yarmouth. The turmoil stems from allegations of misconduct against Lowe, which he vehemently denies, asserting that he is being unfairly targeted due to political differences with party leader Nigel Farage.
Allegations of misconduct and political tensions
Last week, the right-wing British party, which has enjoyed a rise in opinion polls lately, announced that an investigation was underway regarding Lowe’s alleged bullying behavior within his parliamentary office. Reform UK has also reported that police are probing claims that Lowe made “threats of physical violence” directed at the party’s chairman, Zia Yusuf.
“Zero credible evidence”
In response to the allegations, Lowe maintains his innocence, claiming there is “zero credible evidence” against him and describing the situation as a “political assassination.” He has hinted at the possibility of pursuing legal action against his party over this matter.
Power struggle within Reform UK
The controversy surrounding Lowe’s suspension intensified after the Daily Mail featured an article in which he criticized the party under Farage’s leadership, referring to it as a “protest party led by the messiah.” This public dispute has led to speculation among British political analysts about a power struggle between Lowe and Farage, particularly regarding the future direction of the party.
Farage, writing in the Telegraph, remarked that it would have been “inconceivable” for the party to overlook the allegations against Lowe. He cautioned against internal conflicts, noting, “If the last general election taught us anything, it is that the public does not like political parties that engage in constant infighting,” a reference to the recent troubles faced by the Conservative government.
In a rebuttal, Lowe expressed “enormous respect” for Farage but criticized the party leader’s account of events as “an entirely false and poisonous narrative.” He has suggested that Farage’s discontent may stem from his advocacy for mass deportations, similar to proposals made by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
In the latest YouGov poll, Reform UK has positioned itself as the second most popular party in Britain, securing 25% of voter support, just one percentage point behind the Labour Party and four points ahead of the Conservatives. This remarkable rise in support for Reform UK marks a significant shift in British politics, which has traditionally been dominated by Labour and Conservative parties.
As a consequence of Lowe’s suspension, Reform UK now has only four MPs in parliament, which raises questions about the party’s future viability and cohesion.