A public dispute within Reform UK has intensified following the suspension of Rupert Lowe, with both he and party leader Nigel Farage exchanging sharp criticisms.

The internal conflict escalated just weeks ahead of significant local elections, raising concerns about party cohesion and public perception.

Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, appeared on media platforms to address the situation, asserting that Lowe's suspension was unrelated to his recent critiques of Farage.

Tice stated, "People will believe that because there is absolutely no truth in that suggestion," when questioned about the timing of Lowe’s suspension following his comments.

Tice characterized the issue as concerning Lowe’s conduct, stating on BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that while Lowe had been doing commendable work, there had been repeated instances of problematic behavior.

Lowe was stripped of the Reform whip on Friday after the party released a statement detailing several serious allegations against him.

These included claims of bullying from two female employees, which have been reported to parliamentary authorities.

Further, it was stated that Lowe verbally threatened party chairman Zia Yusuf, with the allegations being brought to the attention of law enforcement.

The party has appointed an independent King’s Counsel to investigate the bullying allegations, to which Lowe has strongly contested, denying all accusations.

The conflict escalated following Lowe's interview with a major publication, wherein he labeled the leadership under Farage as a “protest party led by the Messiah” and expressed uncertainty about Farage's ability to deliver substantive political change.

In subsequent articles for a national newspaper, both Lowe and Farage continued their public exchanges.

Lowe referred to the allegations against him as a “witch-hunt” and criticized the leadership’s failure to accept constructive criticism.

On social media, Lowe claimed the allegations arose only after disciplinary measures were initiated against the two employees.

He asserted no credible evidence existed to support the bullying claims and described his interaction with Yusuf as a robust debate rather than a threat.

Lowe also indicated that Farage disapproved of his stance on immigration, specifically advocating for the deportation of individuals residing illegally in the UK.

He stated, "If you are here illegally, you should be deported.

That has to be the objective," further alleging that he had received warnings from party leadership regarding his position on deportations.

In his remarks published in the same articles, Farage accused Lowe of consistently criticizing party operations and alienating his parliamentary colleagues through confrontational behavior.

He referenced a particular incident involving transport minister Mike Kane, wherein a heated exchange necessitated intervention from the serjeant-at-arms in the House of Commons.

Tice characterized the decision to suspend Lowe as a professional handling of a concerning trend in behavior.

Lowe, in his rebuttals, questioned the timing of his suspension, suggesting it was a reaction to his expressions of concern regarding the party’s direction.

The comments from Chris Philp, Conservative shadow home secretary, acknowledged Lowe's observations about Reform UK being perceived as primarily a protest party, with no deeply considered policy framework.

He highlighted the implications of the party's immediate response following Lowe's criticisms.