Political commentator Benedict Spence has claimed that Nigel Farage “cannot be replaced” as Reform UK leader, despite the ongoing dispute with suspended MP Rupert Lowe.
The comments come as Reform UK faces internal division following Lowe’s suspension over allegations of workplace bullying and threats of physical violence.
Speaking to GB News Spence said: “For heaven’s sake, you can’t have political parties that are absolutely unified on every single point.
“There will always be some dissent. So, this idea that Nigel Farage and Rupert Lowe can’t coexist is nonsensical.
Benedict Spence said that Nigel Farage is a “very strong” leader
GB NEWS
“But the point is, a lot of people are suggesting that Nigel Farage is somehow threatened by Rupert Lowe.
“Nigel Farage is largely monolithic. He’s very strong. I don’t think Rupert Lowe is about to unseat him as leader.
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“However, Rupert Lowe is that rare thing he could conceivably survive as an independent MP without Reform.
“Actually, having entered under that banner, he’s made enough of a name for himself and has enough financial resources and support, I think, to go it alone.
“So, I don’t think he’s going anywhere anytime soon. In that sense, it would be best for Reform to bring him back inside the tent.”
Farage has defended the decision to suspend Lowe, warning against “constant infighting” within political parties.
In his first public comments since the suspension, Farage said it would have been “inconceivable” not to take action against the 67-year-old MP.
“If the last general election taught us anything, it is that the public does not like political parties that engage in constant infighting,” Farage wrote.
He acknowledged that Reform had built a unified party, but that “thanks to one of our MPs, Rupert Lowe, unloading a barrage of criticisms against our operations and its main actors, that sense of unity has been dented”.
Lowe has claimed he was targeted for his outspoken views on migration, particularly regarding deportations.
Nigel Farage is the leader of Reform UK
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“I was ‘warned’ by Reform UK leadership over my position on deportations,” Lowe said on social media.
He has maintained his stance that illegal immigrants should be deported and said: “If you are here illegally, you should be deported. That has to be the objective,” he stated.
“If that results in one million plus deportations being the eventual aim? Then so be it. It may be uncomfortable to some, but there is NO other way.”
Lowe added: “Nigel may not agree with that, but it’s the right thing to do.”