The Crown Prosecution Service has announced that no criminal charges will be brought against a sitting Member of Parliament, Rupert Lowe, following an investigation into an allegation of threats.
Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the CPS Special Crime Division, confirmed the decision, citing insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.
The case relates to an incident that took place at the Palace of Westminster in December 2024. After receiving a full file of evidence from the Metropolitan Police Service on 9 April 2025, CPS prosecutors conducted a detailed review but concluded that the legal test for prosecution had not been met.
McHaffie stated that the CPS’s role is not to determine guilt, but to make fair and objective assessments of whether a case should go to court.
“Having considered a number of witness statements, we have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction,” McHaffie stated.
The decision remains subject to the Victim’s Right to Review (VRR) scheme, which allows victims or their families to request a review of CPS decisions not to prosecute. Under this scheme, an alternative lawyer may reassess the case, potentially overturning the initial decision if new determinations arise.
The CPS Special Crime Division, which handles high-profile and sensitive cases—including allegations against police officers, corporate manslaughter, and election-related offences—affirmed that its decision adhered to the strict guidelines outlined in the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
While the VRR scheme grants victims the ability to challenge decisions, CPS officials noted that requesting a review does not guarantee that charges will be brought. If reconsideration leads to a reversal, proceedings could be initiated, provided statutory time limits are met.
This development is expected to spark discussion on legal standards for prosecuting public officials and the mechanisms ensuring fairness in high-profile cases.
