Branch officers quit Reform UK over treatment of MP

Mr Lowe has been suspended from the party while allegations of bullying are investigated, claims he denies

All three branch officers of Reform UK in a constituency have resigned from the party in protest at the treatment of their local MP, Rupert Lowe.

The chairman, branch secretary and treasurer of the party in Great Yarmouth have all resigned their membership and say that with no officers the local party has effectively left Reform UK.

Mr Lowe, who currently sits as an Independent MP, has been suspended from the party while allegations of bullying are investigated, claims which he denies.

He has praised "the courage" of his local officers.

Rupert Lowe pictured alongside Reform UK MPs in the House of Commons in July

In a joint statement, the three officers said: "Rupert is a good man and the best, most proactive MP our town has ever seen.

"All of the local branch officers can no longer support Reform following the leadership's disgraceful treatment of our MP.

"Rupert has supported our community. Our community now supports him."

'Good people'

Treasurer Barry Gravenell told the BBC: "All the officers felt they could no longer support Reform UK after the way Rupert has been treated.

"We want to show Rupert that he has our full support.

"There are no plans for the future of the Great Yarmouth Reform party, the officers have all resigned we are now normal members of the public."

The former Southampton FC chairman is currently under investigation by the party and the police over claims he made verbal threats of violence towards Reform chairman Zia Yusef, and allegations of bullying made by former staff members at his parliamentary and constituency offices.

Mr Lowe has strenuously denied the allegations and has threatened Reform with legal action.

In response to the Yarmouth Reform branch closing, Mr Lowe said: "These are good people who have shown huge courage.

"I sincerely appreciate their support."

A spokesman for Reform UK said: "We have 450 branches - so that's 0.2% of our total branches.

"During the last eight months, Reform has delivered the greatest political acceleration in British history. We have added 160,000 new members and opened 400 branches."