Nigel Farage could face a challenge to Reform UK after an ex-deputy leader hinted he could launch a new party with Rupert Lowe. Ben Habib ran for Reform in Wellingborough and Rushden at the General Election and was co-deputy leader before he was replaced by Richard Tice.

Mr Habib, who has been a vocal critic of Mr Farage, said he and Mr Lowe “are both in politics for the same reason”. Asked if he would consider a return to frontline politics if Mr Lowe split from the party, Mr Habib told The Telegraph: “Ultimately the reason I joined Reform and the reason I stood for Reform in Wellingborough is because the only way you can make a difference is electorally.”

He added: “You’ve got to be at the ballot box and hold the electoral system to account … so the answer is yes, I think.”

The remarks suggest Mr Lowe and Mr Habib could form a breakaway party on the right to take the fight to Reform.

Mr Habib’s comments come after Mr Lowe had the whip suspended and was reported to police last week over claims of threatening violence against the party chairman and allegations of office bullying, which he denies.

The Great Yarmouth MP had questioned Mr Farage’s leadership in an outspoken interview a day earlier as splits in the party emerged.

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He told the Daily Mail that Reform remained a “protest party led by the messiah” under Mr Farage.

Asked whether the former Ukip leader had the potential to become prime minister, as his supporters have suggested, Mr Lowe said: “It’s too early to know whether Nigel will deliver the goods.

“He can only deliver if he surrounds himself with the right people.”

In its statement, Reform said that an independent KC had been appointed to look into the bullying claims.