Reform Investigating MP For Alleged "Serious Bullying" Against Female Staff
Rupert Lowe was elected as a Reform MP last year (Alamy)
3 min read
Reform UK is investigating the conduct of its MP Rupert Lowe, after complaints of "serious bullying" were submitted by two female members of staff in his offices, the party said.
Lowe was elected as the Reform MP for Great Yarmouth in last year's general election, and serves as the party's Business and Agriculture spokesman.
On Friday afternoon, Reform released a statement by party chairman Zia Yusuf and chief whip and MP Lee Anderson, saying that the party had received evidence 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".
Two female employees submitted complaints about Lowe, with one working in his parliamentary office and the other in his constituency office. Complaints have also been made to parliamentary authorities.
The Reform statement described the allegations as a "disturbing pattern of behaviour" and added that Lowe had reportedly "on at least two occasions made threats of physical violence against our Party Chairman", with the matter also having been reported to the police.
"We feel we have a duty of care to all our staff, whether employed directly or indirectly," the statement said.
"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.
"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."
The party also confirmed that it had withdrawn the whip from Lowe.
In response to his party's statement, Lowe said: "I am disappointed, but not surprised, to read Reform’s untrue and false allegations.
"Let me be abundantly clear - this investigation is based on zero credible evidence against me, as has been repeatedly stated by the neutral investigator.
"None has been provided. I have cooperated and spoken at length with the KC they instructed, at great cost to the party, to investigate a minor staff matter.
"I have just spoken to the KC. She is dismayed that this statement has been made, and reiterated that no evidence against me has been sent to her. She stated that this has been issued before the investigation has even started. She is shocked at the process, shocked at the communication from the party, and shocked that no credible evidence has been given, despite her repeated requests.
"I was sent an initial letter late on Friday afternoon last week, again with no evidence provided, with no prior warning and no attempt to understand the full position.
"Allegations of physical threats are outrageous and entirely untrue.
"I have never made any derogatory comments about women, or those with disabilities. This is a lie. These allegations are not even referring to me. I will be seeking legal advice immediately.
"There is no credible evidence against me, as the KC has stated on numerous occasions.
"It is no surprise that this vexatious statement has been issued the day after my reasonable and constructive questions of Nigel and the Reform structure. It was issued on X late on a Friday afternoon, with no prior warning.
"All I stated was that communication needs to improve, delegation needs to improve, structure needs to improve – these are all reasonable requests of a party looking to form the next Government."
