Rupert Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth, will not face criminal charges regarding allegations of threats against the chairman of his party, Reform. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) concluded that there was insufficient evidence for a conviction after reviewing witness statements. Lowe, who was suspended by the party amid these claims, accused Reform of a smear campaign and asserted he was targeted for questioning party leadership. The Metropolitan Police also ceased their investigation into what Lowe deemed false allegations, underscoring the complexities surrounding political accountability and internal party disputes.
Malcolm McHaffie stated, 'Having considered a number of witness statements, we have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.'
Rupert Lowe accused Reform of conducting a 'brutal smear campaign,' asserting, 'For the sin of asking legitimate questions about the party's direction, policies and leadership, I was vilified and targeted.'
Mr. McHaffie emphasized, 'The Crown Prosecution Service's function is not to decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, but to make fair, independent, and objective assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges for a criminal court to consider.'
Lowe noted that the Metropolitan Police were dropping their investigation into 'false allegations,' reflecting his continued defense against the claims made against him.
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