Claim: Rupert Lowe Contributed to a Bullying or Toxic Culture in His Parliamentary and Constituency Offices
Summary of the Claim
In March 2025, an independent investigation, commissioned by Reform UK and conducted by Jacqueline Perry KC, found “credible evidence” that Rupert Lowe and members of his team had engaged in conduct that amounted to bullying or harassment of two women who worked in his offices. The claim asserts that Lowe established or tolerated a hostile working environment.
This fact-check considers the evidence presented, the findings of the investigation, and how the claim aligns with official records.
Where the Claim Was Made
Media outlets reported that Reform UK suspended Lowe and referred the matter to the police after receiving complaints about his conduct and that of his staff. The report by Jacqueline Perry KC described a “toxic” atmosphere and noted that Lowe appeared to have failed to address serious allegations raised by staff. The timeline spans late 2024 (complaints raised) and early 2025 (investigation and findings).
Verdict: ⚠️ Misleading
The investigation did find credible evidence of bullying or harassment behaviour, and the claim that Lowe contributed to a toxic office culture is supported by the report. However, the claim sometimes implies a full legal finding or criminal conviction, which is not the case. The investigation’s scope was internal to the party and not judicial; the police later reviewed the matter but no criminal charges had been publicly confirmed at the time of reporting. Therefore, while the claim is substantially accurate, it is slightly misleading if presented with the implication of a formal legal determination.
Evidence and Analysis
1. Independent Investigation Findings
The Guardian reported that Jacqueline Perry KC concluded that there was “veracity in the complaints from both women which amounts [to] credible evidence” of bullying or harassment by Lowe and members of his team. The report stated that Lowe had “failed or been unwilling to address the alleged toxic conduct.”
2. Scope of the Inquiry
The inquiry was internal to Reform UK, commissioned in response to complaints from staff in Lowe’s parliamentary and constituency offices. It did not equate to criminal proceedings. Some subsequent media coverage indicates police involvement; for example, police investigations into alleged threats were reported separately. The distinction between internal party investigation and criminal law is an important nuance.
3. Lowe’s Response and Denial
Lowe publicly denied the allegations, characterising them as “outright lies” and politically motivated. The investigation record notes that Lowe refused to engage with certain parts of the inquiry. Given his denial, the findings remain contested politically, though they stand as public record.
4. Why the Claim Has Public Significance
Workplace bullying and harassment in parliamentary offices undermine public trust in elected representatives and their institutions. The fact that credible evidence was found in the investigation, even if no criminal case has been sustained, means the claim has both factual and ethical weight. The mis-impression arises when the claim is framed as definitively “guilty” or convicted, which the available evidence does not support.
Conclusion
The investigation into Rupert Lowe found credible evidence that two women working in his office experienced bullying or harassment and that Lowe did not properly address the concerns. The claim that Lowe contributed to a toxic office culture is substantially supported.
However, the claim is slightly misleading when it suggests a formal legal verdict or conviction, which does not appear to exist. Hence the claim is rated ⚠️ Misleading.
Sources
• The Guardian – “Rupert Lowe report details ‘credible’ claims of bullying or harassment”
• ITV News – “Investigation into Rupert Lowe finds he contributed to ‘toxic’ office culture”
• The Independent – “Ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe ‘unlawfully harassed’ two women and …”
• PoliticsUK – “Review of Rupert Lowe investigation makes criticisms of Reform UK”