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       Reform needs not only to show a united front now but to put this saga behind the party, (Image: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

       An independent report commissioned by Reform UK will provide welcome breathing space for leader Nigel Farage as his party gears up to contest its first post-election by election — one it is expected to win. Jacqueline Perry KC — in investigating former Reform MP Rupert Lowe — found evidence of "victimisation, constant criticisms and discriminatory behaviour".

       She also found "credible evidence" Mr Lowe and his staff mistreated two female colleagues in ways which "seem to amount to harassment". The Metropolitan Police and parliamentary officials are also investigating Lowe after Reform accused him of threatening "physical violence" against chairman, Zia Yusuf.

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       Mr Lowe denies any wrongdoing and, having now been booted from the party, said in response: "There was no bullying. There never has been any bullying. Using such claims to damage me through my staff is shameful."

       He maintains the women only came forward after disciplinary action was taken against them — a claim contradicted by the report. Indeed Ms Perry found "veracity in the complaints from both women which amounts [to] 'credible evidence'".

       Meanwhile, the report said Mr Lowe failed to "address the alleged toxic conduct" of male colleagues and refused to act on complaints. Indeed, there was a "real risk" the alleged treatment could breach the Equality Act.

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       For Farage and Reform, the report comes as the party looks to contest the Runcorn by election - a real test of how genuine the party's newfound support really is.

       If elected, Sarah Pochin would be Reform's fifth MP following Mr Lowe's removal. What he does next is up for debate. He could well remain an independent or join the Tories (if he was accepted of course).

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       The Yarmouth MP could remain a thorn in Farage's side, and no doubt still has his fans in the party, yet this report would seem to strengthen Farage, Yusuf and Reform as the Runcorn vote looms.

       Reform needs not only to show a united front now but to put this saga behind the party, something this report surely helps to do.

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       Nigel Farage declares Reform UK will 'go to war' against teachers' unions

       506 Comments

       Richard Tice claims Reform UK would not exist without him as party's row deepens

       94 Comments

       Nigel Farage 'horrified' as Reform devastated by civil war with party split in two

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       178 Comments

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       2348 Comments

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       128 Comments

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       140 Comments

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       Comments

       Nigel Farage's Reform UK doesn't have a 'woman problem', top ally says

       94 Comments

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       Nigel Farage declares Reform UK will 'go to war' against teachers' unions

       506 Comments

       Richard Tice claims Reform UK would not exist without him as party's row deepens

       94 Comments

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       Undo

       Nigel Farage 'horrified' as Reform devastated by civil war with party split in two

       610 Comments

       Nigel Farage has last laugh with brutal four-word putdown against heckling protesters

       657 Comments

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       Undo

       Rupert Lowe refuses to rule out Tory defection in bombshell move after Reform sacking

       178 Comments

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       2348 Comments

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       Undo

       Rupert Lowe tears into Nigel Farage and issues stark Brexit warning: 'Wicked!'

       128 Comments

       Nigel Farage named most popular alternative to Keir Starmer as PM in bombshell poll

       140 Comments

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       Undo

       Elon Musk seemingly wades into Reform civil war as he appears to support Rupert Lowe

       Comments

       Nigel Farage's Reform UK doesn't have a 'woman problem', top ally says

       94 Comments

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       Undo

       Nigel Farage set to make huge election announcement at 1pm

       94 Comments

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       Undo

       Nigel Farage and Rupert Lowe in furious war of words on X in Reform meltdown

       266 Comments

       Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves dealt huge new poll blow

       36 Comments

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       Comments

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       110 Comments

       Nigel Farage braces for huge test as Keir Starmer also eyes must-win vote

       95 Comments

       Kemi Badenoch slammed as 'weak' by former Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns

       53 Comments

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       402 Comments

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       1398 Comments

       Nigel Farage declares Reform UK will 'go to war' against teachers' unions

       506 Comments

       Richard Tice claims Reform UK would not exist without him as party's row deepens

       94 Comments

       Nigel Farage 'horrified' as Reform devastated by civil war with party split in two

       610 Comments

       Nigel Farage has last laugh with brutal four-word putdown against heckling protesters

       657 Comments

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       178 Comments

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       In fact, Reform's bigger threat might be the Conservative Party removing leader Kemi Badenoch, whose leadership right now is surely helping Reform climb the polls.

       Personally, I think the optics of removing Badenoch right now would be horrific, but who knows. In any event, Farage and Reform have the momentum.

       But the pressure will be on in Runcorn, a by-election both Labour and Reform will throw everything at.