Kemi Badenoch will ‘closely’ consider Rupert Lowe joining Conservatives, top Tory MP admits
Kemi Badenoch will “closely and carefully” consider whether to accept any application from ex-Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe to join the Conservative Party, a top Tory has revealed.
Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Alex Burghart appeared to open the door to Lowe joining the Tories in a surprise twist for the Great Yarmouth MP.
Speaking to Camilla Tominey on GB News this morning, Burghart said: “I greatly respect Rupert Lowe and he was given a very, very hard time by Reform.
“We consider everyone’s application to the Conservative Party but as far as I’m aware I don’t know if Rupert would want to join.”
Kemi Badenoch will ‘closely and carefully’ consider ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe joining Tories
GB News
When pushed to provide a yes or no answer, the Brentwood & Ongar MP added: “It’s not a no … but I think we would look very closely and carefully at any application if he chooses to make one.”
Lowe, who this week appeared torn between joining the Conservatives and setting up his own rival populist party, was suspended by Reform UK in March amid allegations of bullying and threatening behaviour.
Speaking to GB News on The Camilla Tominey Show, the Great Yarmouth MP again hinted at joining the Tories.
Lowe, who was a supporter of the Tories before standing for the Referendum Party in 1997, said: “A reformed Conservative Party would probably be the most powerful vehicle right now.”
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Ex-Reform UK MP Rupert LoweGETTYConsidering alternative options, the 67-year-old added: “One other option is that I set up my own party.
“Another option would be to join Reform. But, number one, you don’t win anything with bad people.
“From what Nigel has said, from what Tice has said, from what virtually all the commentators have said, they wouldn’t welcome me back anyway.
“So look, I’ve got a clean sheet of paper and I’m going to work out what I do next.”
However, when talking about his relationship with current Conservative MPs, Lowe said: “I also see them all in Parliament. I was there on Friday. We were all voting on the assisted dying bill or some amendments to the assisted dying bill.
“So I see them, you know. I get on with them. You’re in a very, very unhealthy, sort of overcrowded place. And of course, you bump into each other and of course, you talk to each other.”
Earlier this month, it was announced no criminal charges were to be brought against Lowe after he was accused of making verbal threats. The Crown Prosecution Service said there is not enough evidence to bring charges against “a sitting MP” over an alleged incident at the Palace of Westminster in December.
Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “Following a thorough and detailed review of the evidence in relation to an allegation of threats, we have decided that no criminal charges should be brought against a sitting MP.
“Having considered a number of witness statements, we have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.”