Reform MP Rupert Lowe calls party a “protest movement” under Farage, triggering furious backlash

Nigel Farage has fiercely rejected claims from one of his own MPs that Reform UK is nothing more than a “protest party” led by a leader with a “Messiah complex.” The damning remarks came from Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe, who openly questioned Farage’s leadership in an interview with the Daily Mail.

Lowe suggested that while Reform UK had gained momentum, Farage needed the “right people” around him to truly deliver on the party’s promises. His words sent shockwaves through the party, marking the first time a Reform MP has publicly criticised Farage since the general election.

Farage wasted no time in hitting back. Speaking to TalkTV, he dismissed Lowe’s assessment as “completely wrong” and insisted that Reform UK was far from being a protest movement. “We are a positive party,” he declared, adding that his dedicated supporters were an asset, not a liability.

The Reform leader, known for his no-nonsense approach, brushed off the criticism and suggested that Lowe might have personal ambitions driving his remarks. “Perhaps he wants to be prime minister,” Farage quipped. “Most people in politics do.”

Lowe’s comments have ignited debate over Reform UK’s future direction. The party made a significant impact in last year’s general election, winning five seats and securing more than four million votes—the third-largest vote share of any party. However, questions remain over whether it can transition from a protest movement into a serious political force.

Despite the internal tensions, Farage remained defiant, claiming Reform UK was making “gigantic strides.” He argued that the party had the potential to reshape British politics and rejected any suggestion that his leadership was holding it back.

The fallout from Lowe’s remarks has exposed the challenges facing Reform UK as it seeks to establish itself beyond Farage’s personal brand. While his leadership has undeniably driven the party’s success, figures like Lowe are now pushing for a clearer long-term strategy.

With cracks beginning to show in Reform’s ranks, the question remains—can Farage turn his movement into a genuine political force, or will divisions within his own party hold him back?