Political commentator Benedict Spence has claimed that the internal crisis engulfing Reform UK is like "like sixth-form politics" as he delivered his verdict on the explosive row.
The comments come as tensions escalate between Reform leader Nigel Farage and now-suspended MP Rupert Lowe amid serious bullying allegations.
Lowe, who denies all the allegations, has been accused of bullying and threatening physical violence against party members.
Speaking to GB News, Spence suggested the populist party's early troubles reveal concerning similarities to traditional politics.
Benedict Spence discussed the Reform UK row
GB NEWS
Reform UK has launched an investigation into the allegations, withdrawing the whip from Lowe.
The timing has raised eyebrows, with the accusations surfacing just a day after Lowe publicly challenged Farage's leadership style.
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He said: "It’s all about who’s in Nigel’s gang and who’s not. And if you’re not in Nigel’s gang, well, there’s not much to be said.
"This is obviously based on an unwise interview that Rupert Lowe gave, but the reaction is not that of a party that seems particularly secure, nor of a leader who seems particularly secure.
"As I say, I think it can be fixed. It’s a slight eruption very early on for a party that’s in its embryonic stage, but it really doesn’t inspire much confidence, put it that way."
He compared Reform's behaviour to the Conservatives, who "operated almost like sixth-form politicians" focused on "personalities, gossip, and tawdry things".
Asked about Farage' leadership, Spence said: "I’m not going to go down the Rupert Lowe route and say he’s not the best for the job; that’s not for me to say.
"When there are only five of you in the parliamentary party, you need to have a better grasp on discipline.
"Also, when these things blow up, you need to have a more dignified way of dealing with them, rather than amplifying them into the public sphere even further."
Rupert Lowe is the MP for Great YarmouthPALowe has responded defiantly to the allegations, releasing a 567-word statement on social media.
"I am disappointed, but not surprised, to read Reform's untrue and false allegations," the 67-year-old MP wrote.
He has categorically denied the accusations against him.
"Let me be abundantly clear - this investigation is based on zero credible evidence against me, as has been repeatedly stated by the neutral investigator," Lowe stated.
He also insisted that no evidence has been provided to support the claims.
