Rupert Lowe revealed he has not ruled out joining the Tories or a new political party. The Great Yarmouth MP lost the Reform whip amid allegations about his conduct, which he denies.

Asked if he thought there was a way back or if he might switch to the Conservatives or a new party, Mr Lowe told Sky News: "This has all happened over a few days. I have been focused on debunking these false and damaging allegations. Who knows what will happen? I'm keeping my options open. I was a Tory years ago. I think the Tories have got a lot of work to do. I think there's some extremely good Tory MPs. I get on with a lot of them."

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp left the door open to Mr Lowe joining.

He told Times Radio: "He hasn't applied but obviously we're a broad and welcoming political party.

"People have been joining the Conservatives from across the political spectrum and we always welcome new joiners."

In a statement on Friday, Reform said Mr Lowe had been reported to the police over alleged "threats of physical violence" to party chairman Zia Yusuf.

It also claimed that two women working in the MP's offices had made complaints about "workplace bullying" and "derogatory remarks".

Mr Lowe has strenuously denied the claims, saying the allegations of bullying do not relate to him and were made by staff who themselves faced disciplinary action.

Splits in the right-wing party had emerged a day earlier when Mr Lowe questioned Nigel Farage's leadership in an outspoken interview.

The Great Yarmouth MP has suggested his ousting was because he posed a threat to the arch-Brexiteer.