Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, once seen as a rising force in British politics, is now embroiled in internal conflict. What was previously a unified front against the Conservative and Labour parties has fractured, with high-profile MPs accusing Farage of authoritarian leadership and questionable tactics.
Internal Conflict Erupts in Reform UK
Just weeks ago, Reform UK was polling ahead of the Conservative Party, even surpassing Labour in some surveys. Major Tory donors were shifting allegiance, and Farage was making waves by aligning himself closely with U.S. President Donald Trump. However, recent controversies—including Trump’s handling of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—have dampened the appeal of this connection. Now, the focus has shifted to internal strife within Reform UK.
The tensions came to light when Rupert Lowe, a Reform MP, publicly accused Farage of having a “messianic” leadership style in an interview with the Daily Mail. Shortly after, Reform UK responded by alleging that Lowe had made physical threats against the party chairman, prompting a police report. The rapid escalation has exposed deep fractures within the party.
Allegations of Bullying and Retaliation
Ben Habib, the co-deputy leader of Reform UK, who was previously removed by Farage, has come to Lowe’s defense. In a statement to The Observer, Habib described the accusations against Lowe as a political maneuver to discredit him.
“Everything was coming to a head with Rupert, and this has been contrived to damage him. Reform has lost a highly respected figure, and unless Nigel listens to these criticisms and takes corrective action, the party will struggle,” Habib stated.
Habib also criticized Reform UK’s leadership structure, citing a lack of internal checks and balances that allow Farage to operate without accountability. He warned that without reforms within Reform UK, the party’s future could be uncertain.
Lowe’s Expulsion and Party’s Response
On Friday, the Reform UK parliamentary party expelled Lowe. In a statement, party chairman Zia Yusuf detailed allegations from two female employees, claiming that Lowe had engaged in workplace bullying and discriminatory remarks, including comments regarding a perceived disability.
The statement also alleged that Lowe had made threats of physical violence on multiple occasions, leading to a complaint filed with the police. Reform UK has since appointed an independent lawyer to investigate the claims.
Scotland Yard confirmed receiving a report about verbal threats on March 7. The incident allegedly occurred on December 13, raising questions about why it took nearly three months for a complaint to be filed.
Lowe has categorically denied the accusations, labeling them “outrageous and entirely untrue.” He insists that he never made derogatory comments about women or disabled individuals and has been in contact with the independent lawyer investigating the claims. According to Lowe, he was assured that there was no credible evidence against him.
Growing Discontent Among Party Members
Reform UK members have reacted strongly to the controversy. Julia Stephenson, a longtime supporter of Farage, expressed her disappointment, saying that internal WhatsApp groups were “buzzing with horror” over the party’s handling of the situation.
“Nobody was a bigger fan than me of Nigel Farage, but I think he has been an absolute disgrace. He gets great support and then slowly alienates the best people,” Stephenson said.
She criticized Farage’s leadership style, arguing that he was more interested in running a protest movement than a serious political party.
“We only have five MPs, and if they can’t get along, how on earth can we run a country?” she added.
Musk’s Influence and Rising Tensions
Speculation about the growing rift between Farage and Lowe intensified after billionaire Elon Musk publicly praised Lowe’s political positions while suggesting that Farage should be replaced. Musk’s endorsement gave Lowe additional visibility and credibility, potentially fueling the internal conflict.
Gawain Towler, Reform UK’s communications director, downplayed the dispute, calling it a “minor issue blown out of proportion.” However, he acknowledged that without Farage, the party would not have gained its current level of success.
“Nigel has been called many things, but without him, we wouldn’t have won any seats. Leading a party is tough, and I don’t think Rupert realized that,” Towler said.
What’s Next for Reform UK?
The conflict within Reform UK has cast doubt on the party’s stability. Despite the internal chaos, Farage remains determined to push his political agenda forward. Meanwhile, Lowe has publicly extended an olive branch, inviting Farage to dinner in an attempt to resolve their differences amicably.
“Please, let’s have dinner and resolve this in a manner that our members, and the country, would expect,” Lowe posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday morning.
Whether Reform UK can survive this crisis depends on Farage’s willingness to address internal grievances and foster unity among his MPs. As the party struggles to maintain its momentum, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining its future direction.
For more updates on this evolving political drama, visit Daljoog News.