Kemi Badenoch will 'closely' consider Rupert Lowe joining Conservatives, top Tory MP admits (0.37446808510638296)
<iframe frameborder="0" height="100%" scrolling="no" src="https://www.gbnews.com/res/scraper/embed/?video_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmm-v2.simplestream.com%2Fiframe%2Fplayer.php%3Fkey%3D3Li3Nt2Qs8Ct3Xq9Fi5Uy0Mb2Bj0Qs%26player%3DGB003%26uvid%3D52896087%26type%3Dvod%26viously_id%3DCPYbqGr7Di2" width="100%"></iframe><br/><p class="">Kemi Badenoch will "closely and carefully" consider whether to accept any application from ex-Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe to join the Conservative Party, a top Tory has revealed.</p><p>Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Alex Burghart appeared to open the door to Lowe joining the Tories in a surprise twist for the Great Yarmouth MP.</p><h3></h3><br/><p>Speaking to Camilla Tominey on GB News this morning, Burghart said: "I greatly respect Rupert Lowe and he was given a very, very hard time by Reform.</p><p>"We consider everyone's application to the Conservative Party but as far as I'm aware I don't know if Rupert would want to join."</p><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Kemi Badenoch will 'closely and carefully' consider ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe joining Tories" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d1550239a2324da8e04e5bcde9b12c0c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="d634e" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/kemi-badenoch-will-closely-and-carefully-consider-ex-reform-mp-rupert-lowe-joining-tories.jpg?id=60267569&width=980"/><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-latest"></div><p>When pushed to provide a yes or no answer, the Brentwood & Ongar MP added: "It's not a no ... but I think we would look very closely and carefully at any application if he chooses to make one."</p><p>Lowe, who this week appeared torn between joining the Conservatives and setting up his own rival populist party, was suspended by Reform UK in March amid allegations of bullying and threatening behaviour.</p><p>Speaking to GB News on The Camilla Tominey Show, the Great Yarmouth MP again hinted at joining the Tories.</p><p>Lowe, who was a supporter of the Tories before standing for the Referendum Party in 1997, said: "A reformed Conservative Party would probably be the most powerful vehicle right now."</p><p><strong>LATEST DEVELOPMENTS</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/politics/rupert-lowe-conservative-party-reform-uk" target="_self">'Some light in their camp!' Rupert Lowe refuses to rule out joining Tories as ex-Reform MP plots next move</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/politics/rupert-lowe-reform-uk-mp-avoids-criminal-charges-cps-review-alleged-threats" target="_self">Rupert Lowe will not face criminal charges after CPS review into Reform UK complaint over alleged threats</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/politics/rupert-lowe-stephen-pound-reform-row-mystery-dementia-claim" target="_self">‘What’s going on here?’ Stephen Pound perplexed by Reform mystery as Rupert Lowe makes ‘dementia’ claim</a></li></ul><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Rupert Lowe" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="98e7fce6aafa46a2780a21596b18fbc9" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="dd1cd" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/rupert-lowe.jpg?id=55991129&width=980"/><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-dontmiss"></div><p>Considering alternative options, the 67-year-old added: "One other option is that I set up my own party.</p><p>"Another option would be to join Reform. But, number one, you don’t win anything with bad people.</p><p>"From what Nigel has said, from what Tice has said, from what virtually all the commentators have said, they wouldn’t welcome me back anyway.</p><p>"So look, I’ve got a clean sheet of paper and I’m going to work out what I do next."</p><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-mostread"></div><p>However, when talking about his relationship with current Conservative MPs, Lowe said: "I also see them all in Parliament. I was there on Friday. We were all voting on the assisted dying bill or some amendments to the assisted dying bill.</p><p>"So I see them, you know. I get on with them. </p><p>"You're in a very, very unhealthy, sort of overcrowded place. And of course, you bump into each other and of course, you talk to each other."</p>
