Just weeks ago, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK was riding high. It was outpolling the Tories and, in some surveys, even ahead of Labour. Big-money donors were switching sides, and Farage was boasting about his cosy relationship with Donald Trump.
But the tide has turned. Trump’s recent behaviour towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made being too close to the former US leader a liability. Meanwhile, Reform UK has descended into infighting, with MPs accusing Farage of bullying and dirty tricks.
The Lowe vs Farage Showdown
The trouble started when Rupert Lowe, a Reform MP, gave an interview to the Daily Mail, calling Farage “messianic.” The party hit back, revealing Lowe had been reported to the police for allegedly making physical threats against Reform’s chairman.
Former Reform co-deputy leader Ben Habib, who was also ousted by Farage, called the allegations against Lowe part of a “playbook” used to silence dissenters. He said Reform was failing because it lacked structure, accountability, and any real leadership beyond Farage.
Bullying Claims and Police Reports
Lowe’s fate was sealed on Friday when the party booted him out. A statement from chairman Zia Yusuf accused Lowe of workplace bullying, particularly targeting female staff. It also claimed he had made discriminatory remarks about women and a “perceived disability.”
Most explosively, the party alleged Lowe had twice threatened physical violence against its chairman, prompting a complaint to the police. Scotland Yard confirmed it received an allegation of verbal threats but didn’t explain why it took so long to be reported.
Lowe has denied everything, calling the accusations “a lie” and the claims of physical threats “outrageous and entirely untrue.” He says the party’s own lawyer told him there was no credible evidence against him.
Supporters Turn on Farage
The fallout has rattled Reform’s grassroots supporters. Julia Stephenson, a long-time Farage fan, said party WhatsApp groups were “buzzing with horror.” She called the allegations against Lowe “trumped up” and accused Farage of being “a disrupter” who can’t actually lead.
“Nigel just wants to run a protest party,” she said. “If five MPs can’t even get along, how can they run a country?”
Relations between Farage and Lowe soured earlier this year when Elon Musk unexpectedly backed Lowe, praising his views while suggesting Farage should be replaced. That didn’t go down well.
Can Farage Keep Reform Together?
Some insiders see the row as overblown. Former Reform communications chief Gawain Towler called it “a minor issue that has grown out of all proportions.” He pointed out that Reform wouldn’t have won any seats without Farage.
But even Farage’s staunchest allies know this isn’t a good look. After 30 years of trying to change British politics, is he about to watch his party implode?
Rupert Lowe, for one, hopes not. On Saturday, he publicly invited Farage to “have dinner and resolve this.”
Whether Farage accepts the offer—or keeps swinging—is another matter.
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