Reform UK reveals allegations made against Great Yarmouth's MP

Reform UK has revealed what it calls complaints of 'serious bullying' against its Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe.

The party says the allegations come from two of his female staff, who've alleged he made derogatory comments and threats of violence.

Mr Lowe - who's appeared to criticise Nigel Farage's leadership in recent days - says there's 'zero credible evidence'.

Reform UK statement

Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf and Reform UK chief whip Lee Anderson MP 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 co-operate with this investigation.

"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."

Statement in response from Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe

"To Reform supporters of mine, please stay with the party. We must win the next election. There is no other choice. Infighting serves nobody but our enemies. This could have all been resolved with even the most basic level of communication.

"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 staff member in question only raised a vexatious complaint once disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against them for serious wrongdoing. The other individual mentioned, dropped her appeal.

"If they want to kick me out over false claims, they'll have to finally present some credible evidence against me. There is none, as the KC has just told me. Again.

"A complete inability to accept even the most mild constructive criticism without such a malicious reaction is not effective leadership.

"This is our party as much as it is Nigel's."

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