MP Rupert Lowe Under Investigation by Standards Watchdog Over Undisclosed Donations

Westminster is abuzz with the news that Rupert Lowe, a former Reform UK MP, is currently under investigation by Parliament’s standards watchdog. The core of the inquiry, as understood by the BBC, revolves around allegations that Lowe failed to properly declare substantial funds raised through a Crowdfunder campaign intended to support his independently launched “Rape Gang Inquiry.”

The initiative, spearheaded by Lowe, has garnered significant attention and financial backing, with over £600,000 donated via a Crowdfunder page established in March. This fund was purportedly created to support a national inquiry into gang-based sexual exploitation throughout the United Kingdom. However, a crucial aspect of parliamentary conduct is the timely and accurate declaration of financial interests. Currently, Lowe has not registered any of these donations on his official MPs’ register, a point of contention for the standards commissioner.

In response to queries, a statement was issued via the official Rape Gang Inquiry social media page, asserting that “All appropriate checks have been made for Rupert’s parliamentary declaration.” This suggests a confidence from Lowe’s team that they have adhered to the necessary procedures.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards investigates potential breaches of the MPs’ Code of Conduct. According to the established rules, MPs are obligated to declare any donation received from a single source that exceeds £1,500, or any earnings or gifts valued over £300. These declarations are critical for maintaining transparency and public trust in the integrity of parliamentary proceedings.

Lowe’s Crowdfunder campaign itself reportedly included a statement indicating that donors contributing amounts exceeding the parliamentary threshold would have their details published in the official Commons register. Despite this, records obtained by the BBC suggest that more than a dozen donations surpassed the £1,500 limit, and none of these have yet appeared in Lowe’s register of financial interests.

Further details emerging suggest that bank statements reviewed by the BBC indicate the receipt of funds from the Crowdfunder into the Rape Gang Inquiry’s account on June 23rd. Under parliamentary regulations, such donations must be declared within 28 days of receipt, meaning the deadline for this particular batch of funds would be July 21st. The Rape Gang Inquiry’s statement clarified that Rupert Lowe had been personally funding the inquiry until that date, and that while the declaration process was “almost entirely finished,” the formal submission deadline was still pending.

This situation unfolds against a backdrop of significant political events for Mr. Lowe. He was initially elected as a Reform UK MP for Great Yarmouth in 2024 but faced suspension from the party in March. This suspension followed allegations of threats made towards the party’s chairman, Zia Yusuf. While the Crown Prosecution Service decided in May not to pursue charges related to these alleged threats, the controversy has continued to shadow his parliamentary career. In a notable interview with BBC Newsnight, Lowe described the situation as a “political assassination attempt,” portraying himself as a victim.

Following his suspension from Reform UK, Lowe launched his Crowdfunder, voicing strong criticism of ministers, whom he accused of failing victims of sexual exploitation. His comments highlighted a perceived lack of action and courage within the political establishment, stating, “Our gutless political class is too cowardly to even start to process what has truly happened.”

Notably, Lowe’s independent Rape Gang Inquiry has established a board that includes Conservative MP Esther McVey. The inquiry’s social media page indicates a proactive approach, stating that “hundreds and hundreds of FOI requests” have been submitted to various public bodies, including local councils, police forces, and NHS trusts, in an effort to gather crucial information pertaining to rape gangs. Lowe has committed to live-streaming hearings and maintaining the momentum of his private investigation to ensure accountability for victims.

This development is particularly timely, given that the Prime Minister recently announced a government-backed national inquiry into grooming gangs, a move that occurred after Lowe had already initiated his own investigation. Lowe has publicly stated his intention for his inquiry to proceed regardless of the government’s initiative.

The investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards will scrutinize whether Lowe has adhered to the stipulated 28-day window for declaring financial interests, as outlined in the MPs’ Code of Conduct. While the Commissioner has not issued a public statement on the specifics of the investigation, the BBC understands its focus is indeed on the Crowdfunder donations.