London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Friday, Jul 17, 2026

Rupert Lowe's Political Future in Flux Amid Reform UK Split

Rupert Lowe's Political Future in Flux Amid Reform UK Split

Ousted MP Rupert Lowe considers joining forces with former party members after accusations of misconduct and internal strife within Reform UK.
Rupert Lowe, the ousted MP from Reform UK, is reportedly contemplating aligning with a breakaway right-wing party, following his recent removal from the party amid allegations of bullying and threats against party chair Zia Yusuf, claims which he denies.

This development comes as former Reform deputy leader Ben Habib, who also exited the party under contentious circumstances, expressed a willingness to collaborate with Lowe in a new political venture.

Lowe was stripped of the party whip last week after publicly criticizing Nigel Farage's leadership style, which he characterized as 'messianic'.

His comments have added to the tensions within Reform UK, especially as the party prepares for important local elections in May and a byelection in Runcorn and Helsby—critical moments for demonstrating the party's viability in the current political landscape.

Habib, a former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Brexit Party, left Reform last year due to dissatisfaction with its governance.

He indicated that he and Lowe share common objectives in their political engagement.

Habib has stated that he feels there is no path back to Reform for Lowe, yet emphasized that Lowe retains considerable support among constituents, declaring that 'the country is crying out for people who are solid'.

Prominent figures have speculated about Lowe’s potential leadership prospects within the party.

Notably, Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, suggested Lowe could be a successor to Farage.

Musk's remarks purportedly arose from his critique of Farage's refusal to endorse right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, whose legal battles have drawn significant public and media attention.

Sources indicate that Musk may be interested in funding a new party with a hardline stance, particularly focused on issues such as mass deportations, in which Lowe has expressed interest.

This potential development could realign right-wing factions in UK politics.

Lowe's constituency team publicly supported him, alleging that the internal processes meant to safeguard party staff had been exploited against him.

They questioned the timing and nature of the accusations leveled at Lowe and expressed their distrust in the motives behind the ongoing investigation.

In a recent YouTube interview, Lowe was non-committal about his future political affiliations, stating he was exploring several options including potential ties to the Conservative Party or UKIP. He voiced concerns about being marginalized due to his potential to challenge Farage's leadership, suggesting that a history of conflict exists between Farage and those he perceives as rivals, who often find themselves at odds with the party leader.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
French National Assembly Overrides Senate to Pass Historic Assisted-Dying Legislation
Spanish Prime Minister's Wife Ordered to Stand Trial as Corruption Probes Encircle Governing Party
Zelensky Faces Kyiv Protests Over Ousting of Dynamic Ukrainian Defense Minister
Colombia Influencer Dies After Cosmetic Procedure at Unlicensed Bogota Salon
Thomas Tuchel Faces Fierce Backlash After Tactical Retreat Costs England World Cup Final Berth
A Quiet Bastille Day: France Grapples with World Cup Heartbreak and Leftover Fireworks
Canadian Wildfire Crisis Triggers Transnational Air Quality Alerts Ahead of Soccer Finale
UK Housing Reform Debate Intensifies Over Tenant Protection Measures
UK Defence Official Challenges Russian Narrative on NATO Readiness and European Security
UK Names Independent Member to Judicial Pension Board to Strengthen Oversight
UK Parliamentary Committee Sets New Framework for Select Committee Leadership Roles
UK Government Pushes Energy Savings Through School Solar Expansion Plan
UK Committee Reviews Future of Gaelic Broadcasting and Language Support
UK Government Expands Industrial Skills Support in Wales as Steel Sector Faces Change
UK Rejects Russian Claims That European Defence Spending Is Aggressive
UK Schools and Gaelic Broadcasting Among Areas Reviewed in New Parliamentary Inquiries
UK Housing Committee Calls for Stronger Tenant Protections Under Rental Reform Plans
UK Government Faces Pressure for Stronger Oversight After South East Water Failings Report
UK Parliament Opens Inquiry Into Safety of Women and Girls on Public Transport
UK Defence Ministry Appoints Interim Chief Defence Medical Officer During Transition Period
UK Government Announces Five Million Pound Skills Programme for Young People in Port Talbot
UK Government Launches Solar Programme to Cut Energy Costs for Schools
Met Office Warns Extreme Weather Is Becoming More Common Across the UK
UK Government Faces Internal Debate Over New Chancellor Appointment Under Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham Set to Become UK Prime Minister After Keir Starmer’s Resignation
UK Economy Grows Slightly in May as Supply Chain Disruptions Continue to Weigh on Industry
British Steel Moves Into UK Public Ownership to Protect Domestic Steel Production and Jobs
Spain in Ecstasy: "We Feel Unbeatable, We Taught the Whole World a Lesson"
Spain and UK Dismantle Gibraltar Border Following Landmark Schengen Integration Treaty
Church of England Rejects Plan to Rewild Thirty Percent of Land by 2030
UK Parliament Examines Future of Gaelic Broadcasting in Scotland
Thames Water Faces Criticism Over Four Million Pounds in Bonus Payments
South East Water Crisis Puts UK Water Regulation Under Renewed Scrutiny
UK Report Highlights Racial Inequality in Homelessness Support Services
UK Government Defends Proposed Social Media Curfew for Teenagers Despite Criticism
Reform UK Gains Recognition as Major Political Party in New Polling
Labour Party Faces Internal Divisions Over Gaza Policy and Asylum Reform
Experts Warn UK Housing and Transport Infrastructure Is Unprepared for Rising Extreme Heat
UK Human Rights Committee Begins Review of Immigration and Asylum Bill
UK Parliament Launches Inquiry Into Declining High Streets Across England
Bank of England Governor Warns of Growing AI Risks to Global Financial Security
UK Public Finance Institutions Mobilize Fifty Billion Pounds to Support Growth and Jobs
UK Parliament Opens Inquiry Into Long-Term Strategy Toward Russia
UK-India Trade Agreement Takes Effect With Zero-Duty Access for Nearly All Indian Exports
Forget Tinder: The Surprising Platform Where People Find Love
UK Government Faces Growing Debate Over Local Control of Immigration Enforcement
UK Biodiversity Forum Highlights Business Need to Protect Natural Environment
UK Parliament to Consider Workplace Temperature Limits Amid Climate Concerns
UK Parliament Considers Independent Immigration Appeals Authority Proposal
BBC Charter Renewal Scrutiny Intensifies as Parliament Reviews Broadcaster’s Future
×