The anti-immigration party led by Nigel Farage, Reform U.K., announced on Friday that it has referred one of its lawmakers, Rupert Lowe, to the police for allegedly threatening a senior colleague. This incident marks a significant crisis for the party following its electoral success in the previous year's general election.
According to a statement from Reform U.K., Mr. Lowe is accused of making “threats of physical violence” against the party's chairman, Zia Yusuf. The party has also launched an investigation into complaints of bullying against female staff members and has suspended Mr. Lowe pending the outcome.
In a social media statement, Mr. Lowe, 67, denied the allegations, claiming it was “no surprise” that “vexatious” claims surfaced after he made critical remarks about Mr. Farage and the party's internal structures.
Reform U.K. has recently gained traction in opinion polls, surpassing the main opposition Conservative Party and narrowing the gap with the governing Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The situation highlights growing tensions between Mr. Lowe, a businessman and former chairman of Southampton F.C., and Mr. Farage, the party's prominent yet polarizing leader. Mr. Farage has been instrumental in the party's previous successes, including securing 14 percent of the vote in the last general election.
Mr. Lowe, who represents Great Yarmouth, has received praise from technology billionaire Elon Musk, who has distanced himself from Mr. Farage, suggesting that the leader lacks the necessary qualities for effective leadership.
Mr. Lowe recently criticized Mr. Farage in an interview, describing Reform U.K. as a “protest party led by the Messiah.” In response, Mr. Farage speculated that Mr. Lowe's comments may stem from a desire for political advancement.
Reform U.K. has appointed a senior lawyer to investigate the allegations of workplace bullying, which include claims of targeting female staff and making derogatory remarks. The party stated that evidence was presented regarding a pattern of behavior and threats made against the chairman.
In his social media response, Mr. Lowe labeled the allegations of physical threats as “outrageous and entirely untrue,” suggesting that the complaints arose only after disciplinary actions were initiated against the staff members involved. He criticized the party's leadership for its inability to handle constructive criticism.
Reform U.K. refuted any connection between the investigation and Mr. Lowe's recent comments, asserting that the inquiry into the allegations began prior to his interview.