Nigel Farage has been left facing a potentially fatal threat after Ben Habib opened the door to forming a rival to Reform UK with his “good friend” Rupert Lowe.
Lowe, who was suspended amid allegations of bullying and threatening behaviour on March 7, voiced concern about Farage’s leadership and efforts taken by Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf to democratise the populist party.
Habib has been known for making similar criticisms, recently calling for Farage to sack Yusuf.
In a new blow to the Clacton MP, Habib revealed he is a “good friend” of Lowe’s and is “constantly in touch with him”.
Asked if he would consider returning to frontline politics in an outfit alongside Lowe, Habib told The Telegraph: “Ultimately the reason I joined Reform and the reason I stood for Reform in Wellingborough is because the only way you can make a difference is electorally.”
He added: “You’ve got to be at the ballot box and hold the electoral system to account … so the answer is yes, I think.”
Earlier today, Habib revealed he messaged Lowe ahead of his suspension about the prospect of Reform UK looking to find “some cock and bull story to justify their decision”.
Following Farage’s comments in The Telegraph over the weekend, Lowe responded by saying: “It’s ‘our’ party.”
However, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp appeared to open the door to Lowe joining the Tories.
Speaking to The Times, Philp said: “He hasn’t applied but obviously we’re a broad and welcoming political party.
“People have been joining the Conservatives from across the political spectrum and we always welcome new joiners.”
In yet another twist, a top Tory today told the Daily Express that a senior Shadow Cabinet Minister had been in touch with Lowe about a potential defection.