Former Conservative Party figure Tim Montgomerie has claimed that tensions between Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and MP Rupert Lowe have been “simmering for months”.
Speaking on GB News, the recent Tory defector to Reform UK suggested the dramatic fallout between the two was inevitable.
Montgomerie, who founded the Conservative Home website before joining Reform just three months ago, said he had “some sympathy” for Lowe’s views amid the MP’s suspension over bullying allegations.
“I’m a new person in Reform. I have only been involved for three months, but I did come from the Conservative Party”, Montgomerie told GB News.
Tim Montgomerie spoke out on the conflict
GB NEWS
“I heard about the tensions between the two, so perhaps it ended more quickly and in an uglier way than anyone would have liked, but I’m not surprised.”
He added: “I think it would have ended something like this anyway.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Nigel Farage is in a sticky situation after Rupert Lowe was suspended by Reform UKPAThe comments come as Reform UK has stripped Lowe of the whip amid serious allegations.
Reform UK has accused Lowe of making “threats of physical violence” towards party chairman Zia Yusuf, who said the matter was now “with the police”.
The party also claims to have received evidence from staff of “derogatory and discriminating remarks made about women” by Lowe.
Lowe has firmly denied the allegations, describing them as “untrue and false”.
Montgomerie said the fallout was inevitable
GB NEWS
The suspension comes just a day after Lowe criticised Farage, telling the Daily Mail that Reform remains a “protest party led by the Messiah” under his leadership.
Montgomerie suggested the fundamental breakdown in relationship between the two Reform figures was inevitable.
“I think whatever the outcome of that investigation, it’s clear that there is a fundamental relationship breakdown between Rupert Lowe and Nigel Farage,” he said.
“This is not going to be mended. Nigel Farage is a successful leader right now because he rules with an iron first and he’s very good at politics.”
He added that Lowe was “impatient with the policy review process” which contributed to the growing tensions.
“Parties get over these things,” Montgomerie noted, suggesting Reform UK could weather the storm.
“I am only very early on in my time with Reform,” he emphasised, distancing himself from internal party politics.
When asked if the suspension was a “disaster” for Reform UK, Montgomerie was measured in his response.
“Time will tell,” he said, adding that the independent investigation into allegations against Lowe should “run its course”.