The Tories accused Nigel Farage of making a “sham announcement” over the defections of dozens of councillors to Reform UK. The Reform leader welcomed 29 councillors to the insurgent party at a press conference in Westminster this afternoon.
But the Conservatives claimed only seven were new with 22 having been announced previously. A Tory source said: “This sham announcement from fake Farage looks like a desperate attempt to distract from the open warfare at the top of Reform.
“It’s no wonder former Reform UK MP and leadership contender Rupert Lowe described the party as a ‘malicious circus’ and questioned Farage’s abilities. Announcements falling apart under scrutiny is typical Reform – they are all spin and no substance, and will always put self-interest ahead of the national interest.”
Mr Farage announced more than two dozen councillors had joined the party in the last two weeks, with defections from the Tories and the Liberal Democrats.
The press conference came as the Clacton MP attempted to put the row over Rupert Lowe behind him.
The Great Yarmouth MP was suspended by Reform over allegations of workplace bullying and threats of violence against the party’s chairman, Zia Yusuf, which led to a police investigation. Mr Lowe has strenuously denied the claims.
Mr Farage said: “Today, I am going to show you the extent to which we are broadening and deepening the party across the country.
“In the last two weeks, we’ve not been obsessing about what’s being written in the papers, or being said online. We’ve been getting on with the job.”