Former Reform MP Rupert Lowe has threatened to sue Nigel Farage for defamation.
The now-independent MP for Great Yarmouth said on Thursday that he has instructed lawyers to issue claims for defamation against the Reform UK leader, as well party chairman Zia Yusuf and chief whip Lee Anderson.
Mr Lowe was ousted from the party in March after claims it had received evidence of "serious bullying" and "derogatory" remarks made about women in the his offices. Mr Lowe has denied the claims.
In a statement on Thursday, Mr Lowe said the comments had "caused serious harm" to his reputation.
He added: "On March 7, 2025 Lee Anderson and Zia Yusuf signed and published a statement on behalf of Reform UK.
"The statement falsely alleged, amongst other things, that I had engaged in serious workplace bullying and had made multiple serious threats to physically assault, and injure, Mr Yusuf.
"The statement was read by millions and has caused serious harm to my reputation. I believe it was published as part of a concerted smear campaign against me after I made comments about the party's leader Nigel Farage.
"I have today instructed my solicitors Brett Wilson LLP to send letters of claim to Reform's leader and director Nigel Farage, Mr Anderson and Mr Yusuf asserting claims for defamation.
"I call on the party, Mr Farage, Mr Anderson and Mr Yusuf to do the right thing and retract these false allegations. In the event that they are unwilling to do so it is my intention to issue High Court proceedings.
“Whilst I have no desire to litigate, I will do what is necessary to ensure my reputation is restored.”
Reform UK did not immediately comment.