An independent report commissioned by Reform UK will provide welcome breathing space for leader Nigel Farage as his party gears up to contest its first post-election by election — one it is expected to win. Jacqueline Perry KC — in investigating former Reform MP Rupert Lowe — found evidence of “victimisation, constant criticisms and discriminatory behaviour”.
She also found “credible evidence” Mr Lowe and his staff mistreated two female colleagues in ways which “seem to amount to harassment”. The Metropolitan Police and parliamentary officials are also investigating Lowe after Reform accused him of threatening “physical violence” against chairman, Zia Yusuf.
Mr Lowe denies any wrongdoing and, having now been booted from the party, said in response: “There was no bullying. There never has been any bullying. Using such claims to damage me through my staff is shameful.”
He maintains the women only came forward after disciplinary action was taken against them — a claim contradicted by the report. Indeed Ms Perry found “veracity in the complaints from both women which amounts [to] ‘credible evidence'”.
Meanwhile, the report said Mr Lowe failed to “address the alleged toxic conduct” of male colleagues and refused to act on complaints. Indeed, there was a “real risk” the alleged treatment could breach the Equality Act.
For Farage and Reform, the report comes as the party looks to contest the Runcorn by election – a real test of how genuine the party’s newfound support really is.
If elected, Sarah Pochin would be Reform’s fifth MP following Mr Lowe’s removal. What he does next is up for debate. He could well remain an independent or join the Tories (if he was accepted of course).
The Yarmouth MP could remain a thorn in Farage’s side, and no doubt still has his fans in the party, yet this report would seem to strengthen Farage, Yusuf and Reform as the Runcorn vote looms.
Reform needs not only to show a united front now but to put this saga behind the party, something this report surely helps to do.
In fact, Reform’s bigger threat might be the Conservative Party removing leader Kemi Badenoch, whose leadership right now is surely helping Reform climb the polls.
Personally, I think the optics of removing Badenoch right now would be horrific, but who knows. In any event, Farage and Reform have the momentum.
But the pressure will be on in Runcorn, a by-election both Labour and Reform will throw everything at.
