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Locals react to MP Rupert Lowe's suspension

Paul Moseley
BBC political reporter, Norfolk
Paul Moseley/BBC Angela Grout is smiling at the camera. She's wearing purple-shaded sunglasses.Paul Moseley/BBC
Angela Grout said the MP had "been brilliant for Great Yarmouth"

Following Rupert Lowe's suspension from Reform UK over allegations of "threats of physical violence" and workplace bullying, the BBC spoke to people in his Great Yarmouth constituency.

Lowe won the seat – previously held by the Conservatives - with 35% of the vote in July last year.

On a sunny morning, people in the town's busy marketplace were mostly surprised by the news that their MP was facing a police investigation.

Resident Angela Grout said she was "gobsmacked" by the developments which led to Lowe having the party whip removed by Reform UK.

Reuters Rupert Lowe is standing at a podium giving a speech. He's wearing a dark blue jacket, white shirt and blue striped tie. Behind him, we can see a Union Flag.Reuters
Rupert Lowe became the Reform UK MP for Great Yarmouth in July last year

Ms Grout explained that when a friend of hers had a housing issue with the local council, the MP intervened and the problem was resolved "the following day".

"He's a great guy," she said.

"He's been doing a lot for Great Yarmouth."

Paul Moseley/BBC Chris Brion is looking at the cameara. He's wearing a dark black jacket with brown fabric collar.Paul Moseley/BBC
Chris Brion said he much preferred Lowe to the area's previous MP, Conservative Brandon Lewis

Lowe was described as "the best MP Great Yarmouth has ever had" by Chris Brion from Hemsby, a village in the constituency suffering from severe coastal erosion.

"He's done more for us, with the flood defences and giving money to good causes," he said.

"No disrespect, but the last MP was about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike."

Norman Nisbet, who runs an antique shop near Great Yarmouth's marketplace, praised Lowe for donating his MP salary to a range of charities.

The 67-year-old told the BBC: "He's a rich man, so he's not doing it for the money is he? He's doing it to help this area."

Paul Moseley/BBC Gary Cooper is standing in front of a shop in Great Yarmouth. He's wearing a grey and black coat.Paul Moseley/BBC
Gary Cooper said he voted for Lowe but was concerned by the allegations about him

Gary Cooper said he had voted for Lowe and that he thought the MP "was pretty straight and upfront", but he was concerned by the allegations.

"If that is the case, he's bang out of order," he added.

Joanne Mayes from Great Yarmouth said Lowe was "not my favourite" but he did "seem to have a lot of support locally".

"For me, he's a one policy man and I don't particularly agree with that policy," she said.

Paul Moseley/BBC Cherrise Pollard is standing in front of market stalls in Great Yarmouth. She's wearing glasses and a blue top.Paul Moseley/BBC
Cherrise Pollard said surprised by the news of Lowe's suspension

"It doesn't sound very good", said Cherrise Pollard, from Bradwell, when asked to share her thoughts about the claims.

"This is the first thing I've heard that's negative about him."

Paul Moseley/BBC David and Ruth Woollard-Kingston are standing in front of a market stall. He is wearing glasses and a green coat over a black t-shirt. She is wearing shades.Paul Moseley/BBC
David and Ruth Woollard-Kingston said they did not find the allegations about Lowe surprising

David Woollard-Kingston said he was "no huge fan" of Lowe.

His wife, Ruth, agreed and questioned the MP's lack of local credentials.

""He doesn't come from around here, he doesn't know this area," she said.

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