Rupert Lowe has threatened Reform with legal action because the party allegedly named four staff members working for the MP "where there was no legal basis for doing so". The now-independent MP for Great Yarmouth lost the Reform whip in March when the party said it had received evidence of “serious bullying” and “derogatory” remarks made about women in the MP’s offices, which Mr Lowe denied.

A statement shared on Mr Lowe's social media on Wednesday said: "Today, DRM Legal has served a letter of claim on Reform UK on behalf of four individuals working for Rupert Lowe MP.

"The action follows the publication of an internal report commissioned by Reform UK which publicly named them where there was no legal basis for doing so. Our clients wish to make clear that they strenuously deny the allegations made against them in the report and feel compelled to make this statement to correct the public record.

"Our clients are seeking a fair and reasonable redress that properly reflects the impact on them of the publication of the report. If necessary, they are fully prepared to commence legal proceedings with the court. No further comment will be made at this stage."

Mr Lowe has also instructed lawyers to issue letters of claim for defamation against Reform UK’s leader Nigel Farage, chairman Zia Yusuf and chief whip Lee Anderson.

Mr Lowe was suspended as a Reform MP last month, when the party issued a statement detailing allegations of bullying in the MP’s offices and accusations of threats of physical violence towards the party chairman, which he denies.

In a statement last Thursday, Mr Lowe said Reform’s comments from March had “caused serious harm” to his reputation.

He added: “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.”

In March the Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into “an allegation of a series of verbal threats made by a 67-year-old man”.

Reform UK were contacted and declined to comment.