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LONDON, May 14, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Former Reform UK lawmaker Rupert Lowe on Wednesday called the party's leader Nigel Farage a "viper" as prosecutors said he faced no charges over an incident that triggered his departure.
Lowe, who has a strong presence on social media, was lauded by X owner Elon Musk while still a Reform MP, as the billionaire suggested Farage did not have what it takes to lead the party.
Lowe was elected in last year's general election but was suspended by the anti-immigration party in March over claims that he threatened its chairman Zia Yusuf.
While not naming Lowe, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Wednesday that there was not enough evidence to bring charges against "a sitting MP" over an alleged incident at the Palace of Westminster in December.
"Having considered a number of witness statements, we have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction," said Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS.
"This was not normal political infighting," Lowe said in a statement posted on X.
"It was a sinister attempt to weaponise the criminal justice system against me... all because I dared to raise constructive criticisms of Nigel Farage... and pushed for Reform to be run democratically -- not as a vehicle to stroke one man's ego."
Despite the furore, Farage's party is riding high in opinion polls and scored a thumping victory in recent local elections to win another MP, taking its tally back to five.
Lowe said Farage "was no leader", calling him a "coward and a viper".
"If Farage were ever to control the vast power of the British state, I believe he would not hesitate to do to his adversaries what they have tried to do to me," he said.
"With real power, I fear he would wield that immense responsibility to crush dissent -- as he has done time and again over the years."
