Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
Reform UK Facing Internal Turmoil as Rupert Lowe Seeks New Alliances
The political landscape of Reform UK is undergoing significant changes as ousted MP Rupert Lowe considers joining forces with former party deputy leader Ben Habib, who also faced expulsion from the party led by Nigel Farage.
Habib, a former MEP with a history of outspoken criticism towards Farage, has mentioned that he remains in regular contact with Lowe. This development comes after Lowe was stripped of the party whip over allegations of bullying and threats directed at party chair Zia Yusuf, allegations which he disputes.
Lowe previously expressed his discontent with Farage’s leadership style, characterizing it as “messianic,” and critiqued the decision-making within the party. His dismissal marks a pivotal moment for Reform UK, particularly as it approaches upcoming local elections in May and a byelection in Runcorn and Helsby, crucial opportunities to gauge the party’s electoral viability.
Habib, who resigned from Reform after expressing concerns regarding its management, underscored the need for electoral engagement as a means to effect change. He stated, “Ultimately the reason I joined Reform, and the reason I stood for Reform in Wellingborough, is because the only way you can make a difference is electorally.”
He further noted Lowe’s popularity, affirming that Lowe retains substantial support across the nation. Habib criticized the political expedience contributing to the UK’s current issues and pledged his support for Lowe’s potential endeavors.
Lowe, who represents Great Yarmouth, was recently mentioned as a possible successor to Farage. This speculation was fueled by comments from billionaire Elon Musk, who suggested that Farage lacked the necessary qualities to lead Reform UK, specifically relating to Farage’s reluctance to back controversial figure Tommy Robinson, known for his far-right ideologies.
Additionally, the Financial Times reported that Musk might be inclined to support the establishment of a new rightwing faction advocating for strict mass deportation policies, aligning with Lowe’s own positions.
In a statement from his team in Westminster, Lowe’s supporters criticized the actions against him as a “malicious” misuse of processes meant for protection. They expressed concern that these actions unjustly harmed not only Lowe’s reputation but also their office.
“Not just tarnishing Rupert’s name unfairly, but also our office and subsequently us. Nobody from Reform has ever raised these concerns, or any about Rupert, with any of us before this ‘investigation’. If they were so concerned about Rupert’s behaviour, why were we not warned?” the statement elaborated.
In a candid moment during a YouTube interview with rightwing commentator Dan Wootton, Lowe hinted at the possibility of seeking affiliation with the Conservative Party or Ukip but clarified that he has yet to determine his trajectory. He suggested that his removal from Reform may have been strategic, as he posed a challenge to Farage’s authority. “You’ve got to look at the pattern of relationships with Nigel throughout his career … Almost anybody who is in his view either threatening him or is capable enough to take over from him, he tends to fall out with them,” Lowe remarked.
Source
www.theguardian.com