COMPLAINTS of harassment levelled against former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe had “veracity”, an independent KC has said.
Jacqueline Perry KC said there was “‘credible evidence’ – to use Mr Lowe’s own words” that the MP had victimised, over-criticised, and acted in a discriminatory manner towards two women in his employ.
Perry’s jibe about Lowe’s “own words” comes after the multi-millionaire told press that the senior lawyer investigating him had said she was “shocked” because there was no evidence.
"I find myself in the unfortunate and regrettable position of having to make this statement to correct the record,” the at-the-time-unnamed lawyer said earlier in March.
"I have not expressed either 'dismay' or 'shock' at any time as to the process. Nor have I said 'there is zero credible evidence against [Lowe]', let alone said this 'repeatedly'."
Lowe has repeatedly denied the allegations against him, and claimed on Tuesday afternoon that Reform is “shamefully attacking my innocent staff to smear my name”.
He added: “This is not right. It’s unprecedented in modern British politics.”
Perry’s statement on Tuesday – that complaints of “victimisation, constant criticisms (and) discriminatory behaviour do seem to amount to harassment on the part of both Mr Lowe and his constituency team” – came as Reform leader Nigel Farage faced anti-racism protests in Doncaster.
Farage – who had a public split with Lowe after the latter was backed for Reform UK leader by the far-right billionaire Elon Musk – called the protesters that interrupted him “losers” and “saddos” who “must be at university”.
Farage began his speech by vowing his party would “stun the establishment” at the May local elections, in which it has said it will stand candidates in all seats on the ballot.
Shortly afterwards, eight students and activists stood up in succession to accuse Reform of racism and say “Farage offers nothing for ordinary people”, the Stand Up To Racism group said.
One of the demonstrators shouted: “Free Palestine!” before being escorted out of the venue.
“We will not be stopped by a ranting student mob, we will fight on and win these elections in Doncaster,” Farage told audience members.
“Go back to school please, we know what’s going to happen. Boring, boring, boring. They will do everything they can to stop this being a free and fair election.”
Alexander Jones was announced as Reform UK’s candidate for the Doncaster mayoralty.
Jones, described by the party as having worked in property “before founding his own Forex trading business and modelling”, said he would help to unlock the “broken” city’s potential.
Sabby Dhalu, co-convener of Stand Up To Racism, said the group had challenged Farage because he and Reform UK were “trying to spread hate and division at a time when we need unity”.
Weyman Bennett, another co-convener, said: “Reform claims to stand for ordinary people, but its real agenda is one of division and distraction. Farage is a millionaire banker who does not represent working-class interests.”
