Reform UK has ruled out a pact with Restore Britain unless the party expels co-founder Charlie Downes, who is accused of antisemitism. Nigel Farage said he was “open-minded” about working with Rupert Lowe after the Restore leader offered an agreement to form a “patriotic government”. But Reform insists no deal is possible while Downes remains.
Antisemitism row over X post
The dispute stems from a post on X by Downes, which appeared to suggest Farage had been “bought” by Jewish supporters. Downes had responded to Farage's post saying he “can't be bought” with an image showing him in front of signs for the Reform Jewish Alliance.
A Reform spokesman said: “There are antisemitic and extreme racists at or near the top of the party, and they would have to go first. We’re happy to talk, but we can’t do when there are people in the party like Charlie Downes. This all started with the Groypers in the US, and it’s happening here, putting out this anti-Jewish stuff that is very similar to the far-Left.”
Farage: 'I have fought the far-Right'
Speaking at a Reform press conference, Farage said: “I'm always happy to meet people and talk to people within reason. But I do think it’s fair to say that there are one or two people in the orbit of the upper echelons of that party who if I sat down and talked to, I think our members and our voters would be utterly shocked that I’d done it. I have fought the far-Right for over a quarter of a century. I took on the BNP for years. It was a tough thing to do, but I won. I’ve always made sure that the political parties that I’ve run are absolutely non-sectarian, non-racially prejudiced. I’ve insisted on that for year after year after year.”
Lowe refuses to sack Downes
Lowe, who was forced out of Reform, insisted he would not expel Downes. He said: “Farage and Reform have also said that Restore Britain must outright sack Charlie Downes – putting a young Christian man out of work, just as he is looking to build his life and start a family. That is simply not how I operate.”
Lowe, whose party has been taking votes from Reform on the Right, last week called on Farage to work together. He issued conditions, including banning former Tory ministers from a future cabinet and accepting a number of Restore policies.
