Lawyer investigating Reform UK row denies statements attributed to them by Rupert Lowe in fresh twist

The lawyer appointed by Reform UK to investigate allegations against suspended MP Rupert Lowe has denied making statements attributed to them by the Great Yarmouth MP.

The KC told the BBC they were in “the unfortunate and regrettable position” of having to correct the record regarding claims made by Lowe.

The lawyer specifically denied expressing “dismay” or “shock” about the process or stating there was “zero credible evidence” against the MP.

Lowe had the Reform whip suspended on Friday over allegations of threatening violence against the party chairman. Reform also said it had received evidence of “serious bullying” and “derogatory” remarks made about women in the MP’s offices.

Two separate employees are said to have made allegations. Lowe has strongly denied all claims against him.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are assessing an allegation of “verbal threats” made in December. Reform appointed an independent KC to investigate the bullying allegations.

The lawyer told the BBC: “I have seen a number of statements made by Mr Lowe MP which are attributed to me and which describe my reactions to the process conducted by the party into the allegations.”

“I have not expressed either ‘dismay’ or ‘shock’ at any time as to the process,” the KC added.

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The lawyer, whose credentials have been verified by the BBC but who has not been named by Reform, specifically denied saying “there is zero credible evidence against [Mr Lowe]”, “let alone said this ‘repeatedly’.”

In a statement to the BBC, Lowe maintained his position, saying: “Ever since this malicious attack on my reputation was launched, all I have asked for from both Reform and the KC is credible evidence against me. None has been provided. It still hasn’t.”

“The KC has said she has been ‘chasing’ for that. I have received nothing. Because there is no credible evidence against me.”

He insisted: “There is no credible evidence against me.”

Lowe added: “I will not have my name dragged through the mud as part of a political assassination because I dared to question Nigel Farage.”

He accused Reform of an “outright lie” in claiming he had not cooperated with the investigation. Lowe’s suspension came shortly after he criticised Nigel Farage’s leadership in an interview with the Daily Mail.

In the interview, published just 48 hours before his suspension, Lowe described Reform as a “protest party led by the messiah” under Farage.

Reform’s deputy leader Richard Tice defended the party’s handling of the situation during media appearances on Sunday. He told Sky News: “We’ve also got a duty of care as a party, whether people are employed directly or indirectly.”

Speaking on GB News, Tice insisted Reform had “done the appropriate and responsible thing” regarding the allegations against Lowe.