Credible harassment claims against MP Rupert Lowe, report finds

A lawyer investigating suspended Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe has found “credible evidence” he and his staff mistreated two female team members in ways that “seem to amount to harassment”.

Jacqueline Perry KC, employed by Reform to investigate after complaints were raised in February, found evidence of “victimisation, constant criticisms and discriminatory behaviour”.

Parliamentary officials have launched a separate bullying probe into Lowe. Meanwhile, the Met Police is investigating Lowe after Reform accused him of threatening “physical violence” against the party’s chairman.

The Great Yarmouth MP denied the claims and said his suspension was a reaction to criticising party leader Nigel Farage.

In her report, Ms Perry found: “There is veracity in the complaints from both women which amounts [to] ‘credible evidence'”.

As well directly mistreating staff, Ms Perry said Lowe failed to “address the alleged toxic conduct” of male colleagues in the office, and refused to act on complaints.

“At the very least Mr Lowe should have taken seriously the distress and concerns,” Ms Perry said.

Lowe had a “duty and responsibility to ensure systems were in place to avoid junior members of staff being treated in any unfair and discriminatory way”, she added.

Concluding her report, Ms Perry said there was a “real risk” that the alleged treatment could be a breach of the Equality Act.

Ms Perry said her role was not to determine any criminality but to assess the “veracity” of the bullying and harassment allegations against Lowe and his staff, determine any legal implications, and recommend measures to prevent future incidents”.