Reform UK refers MP Rupert Lowe to police

Reform UK says it has reported its MP Rupert Lowe to police, alleging he has made "threats of physical violence" against party chairman Zia Yusuf.

In a statement with chief whip Lee Anderson, Yusuf also said the party had received allegations of bullying in Lowe's parliamentary and constituency offices.

He added the party had appointed a lawyer to conduct an investigation into allegations of "workplace bullying" made by two female employees.

Writing on social media, Lowe said the party's allegations were "untrue and false" and he was "disappointed, but not surprised" to read them.

Lowe said it was "no surprise" that the party's "vexatious statement" had been released the day after he had criticised party leader Nigel Farage.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Lowe said the party remained a "protest party led by the Messiah" under Farage's leadership.