Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe recorded making ‘antisemitic’ remark in leaked video

The Board of Deputies of British Jews condemned Rupert Lowe’s ‘bizarre and outdated antisemitic language’

Archie Mitchell
Political correspondent
Wednesday 21 May 2025 18:10 BST
Comments
Rupert Lowe accuses Nigel Farage of 'running a cult'

Former Reform UK MP has been recorded making an “antisemitic” remark during a meeting in parliament this year, it has emerged.

Video footage shows Rupert Lowe, who was suspended from the party after a bitter public spat with Nigel Farage, commenting in front of parliamentary staff.

In a leaked recording, obtained by The Guardian, Mr Lowe commented on the size of a camera being used to film him. “In days gone by, you’d call it a Jewish camera, but that would be politically incorrect. Because it’s so small,” Mr Lowe is recorded as saying.

Rupert Lowe made the remark in parliament this year
Rupert Lowe made the remark in parliament this year (PA Wire)

Others present began laughing, before one reassured him the footage would not be shared and another joked that his “career would be over in a second”.

Responding to the resurfaced video, Mr Lowe said he could not remember making the comment. “But if it was said, it was clearly a joke as anybody reading it can understand,” he added.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews condemned the “bizarre and outdated antisemitic language” and said it played into the trope that Jewish people are frugal with money.

A spokesman said it “has no place in our politics” and called for an apology from Mr Lowe. Reform has been approached for comment.

Mr Lowe was suspended from Reform this year pending an investigation into his conduct and claims he had threatened violence against its chair, Zia Yusuf.

That came after he publicly criticised Mr Farage, accusing the party leader of having “messianic” tendencies, and Mr Lowe maintained he was the victim of a political hit job for speaking out.

The police have since dropped an investigation into claims Mr Lowe threatened Mr Yusuf, while the now independent MP has renewed his attacks on Mr Farage.

Mr Farage “is a coward and a viper and must never be prime minister”, he has since said.

Rupert Lowe was suspended by Reform amid a bitter spat with Nigel Farage
Rupert Lowe was suspended by Reform amid a bitter spat with Nigel Farage (PA Wire)

Mr Lowe, a former MEP for the Brexit Party, has been toying with a defection to the Conservatives or the idea of forming a new right-wing party to rival the Conservatives.

He is a staunch right-winger and campaigns fervently on issues including illegal migration, grooming gangs and free speech.

Speaking to BBC Newsnight this month, Mr Lowe said he would join a reformed Conservative Party or form a new party with the backing of Elon Musk.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in