Rupert Lowe to sue Nigel Farage and Reform for defamation over 'false' allegations

Rupert Lowe has announced legal proceedings against his former colleagues (Image: Getty)

Ex-Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe has announced plans to sue Nigel Farage, Zia Yusuf and Lee Anderson over the claims he engaged in workplace bullying and made threats of physical assault against the party's chairman.

In March, Mr Lowe was expelled from the party by chief whip Lee Anderson over the allegations and referred to the Metropolitan Police.

The force has since launched an investigation, as part of which the Great Yarmouth MP's gun collection was seized by Gloucestershire police.

In a major ramping up of tensions on Thursday, Mr Lowe said he will be taking the trio to court as the "false allegations" have cause "serious harm" to his reputation.

The furious press statement added: "I believe it was published as part of a concerted smear campaign against me after I made comments about the party’s leader Nigel Farage."

"I have today instructed my solicitors, Brett Wilson LLP, to send letters of claim to Reform’s leader and director Nigel Farage, Mr Anderson and Mr Yusuf asserting claims for defamation.

"I call on the party, Mr Farage, Mr Anderson and Mr Yusuf to do the right thing and retract these false allegations. In the event that they are unwilling to do so, it is my intention to issue High Court proceedings. Whilst I have no desire to litigate, I will do what is necessary to ensure my reputation is restored.

"Given the extant legal proceedings, I am unable to comment further on the matter at this stage."

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