Suspended Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe has made headlines after attacking party leader Nigel Farage in the wake of leaked WhatsApp messages, asserting that Farage "must never become prime minister." The tension escalates as new polling indicates that Lowe's recent ousting is damaging the Reform party’s standing ahead of elections.
On March 20, 2025, Lowe expressed his outrage regarding Farage’s remarks in conversations that surfaced, in which Farage described Lowe’s behavior as "disgusting" and "contemptible." The source of this animosity appears rooted in a Daily Mail interview where Lowe criticized Farage and the party leadership. Farage, in response, accused Lowe of jeopardizing the party just as they approach upcoming elections.
Polling data from Techne UK shows that for the first time in two months, the Conservative Party has equaled Reform in voter support, each receiving 23 percent. The fallout from Lowe's suspension, stemming from allegations of threats made against chairman Zia Yusuf and accusations of bullying within his offices, continues to impact the party.
In the aftermath of his suspension on March 7, Lowe distanced himself from Reform’s leadership, claiming, "These messages unquestionably prove that the Reform leadership has zero integrity." He stated emphatically, "I will not work with the rotten and deceitful Reform leadership… Nigel Farage must never be prime minister." These statements came shortly after he labeled the party a "protest party" led by "the Messiah" during his controversial interview on March 5.
Further complicating matters for Reform, former deputy leader Ben Habib has echoed Lowe’s sentiments, arguing that the party is "imploding" under Farage's leadership. Habib is not alone in his criticism; as the turmoil unfolds, members from various constituencies have resigned in protest, including several officers from the Isle of Wight branch following Lowe’s ousting. This reflects a deeper discontent within the ranks of the party.
Sarah Morris, the outgoing chair from Isle of Wight, articulated her frustration, stating, "I feel like Reform has been stolen from me, by Nigel and Zia. The Reform movement is ours, not theirs to sell off and play with as and when they want." Many members share her sentiment, feeling marginalized within their own party due to recent decisions and the perceived lack of transparency.
In the WhatsApp exchanges, Farage’s angry remarks about Lowe's criticisms convey a sense of urgency as he warned of damaging electoral consequences, labeling Lowe’s actions "awful." Farage consistently insisted that the suspension aimed to protect the party amid serious allegations against Lowe, viewing the scandal as separate from the media’s portrayal of the situation.
Amid this chaos, Lowe has maintained his innocence, vehemently denying all allegations of violence and bullying. In turn, he condemned the actions of Farage and the party, characterizing them as a "malicious witch hunt" prompted by his willingness to question party policies and governance. He stated, "I have done nothing but tell the truth, and I will continue to do so."
The internal strife appears to resonate with the party’s support base as Reform faces increasing challenges. Techne’s weekly poll indicates a continuing decline for Reform as they lost one percentage point for the second week running. In the meantime, the Conservatives saw an uptick, signaling shifting dynamics in the political landscape.
The landscape grows even more complex as Labour surges ahead with 27 percent, enjoying a notable lead over both Reform and the Tories. Observers suggest this shift in voter support reflects the ongoing discontent with both right-leaning parties amid growing public dissatisfaction.
According to Michela Morizzo, Techne’s chief executive, the prevailing geopolitical issues along with Reform’s internal conflicts pose significant challenges for Farage’s leadership. She commented, "Recognizing some of the recent internal turmoil of Reform UK, Nigel Farage’s party drops one point of national vote share."
The situation further escalated when Lowe indicated that not only were his efforts and critiques legitimate, but that he believed the actions taken against him were detrimental to the party’s future. With Farage currently in the U.S., the unfolding saga looms large over the party’s trajectory.
Amid this turmoil, the governing parties struggle to respond effectively, as Labour continues to capture the narrative. Observers are left wondering whether Reform can mend the rift within its ranks and regain public support or if it will continue to unravel as internal disputes overshadow electoral prospects.
