Rupert Lowe banned from making FOI requests on website

Rupert Lowe has been banned from submitting freedom of information requests on the website WhatDoTheyKnow, a move the MP said is “not in the spirit of transparency”.

Mr Lowe, who represents Great Yarmouth and is leader of the Restore Britain party, had made more than 1,000 requests using the website, which helps users submit freedom of information (FOI) requests to Whitehall departments and public bodies.

FOIs made by Mr Lowe included questions about DEI hires and training, grooming gangs, and universal credit for refugees.

WhatDoTheyKnow is an independent website that acts as a public archive and allows users to easily keep track of and submit new requests.

Mr Lowe’s account was suspended after the site said he had used it to “send general messages to public authorities or for personal messages” to public organisations.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Lowe told the Press Association: “Sadly our access has been restricted, which I do not believe is in the spirit of transparency.

“Our teams have uncovered huge scandals through FOI and investigation work.

“This censorship will not stop us from containing those efforts.

“Restore Britain is the only political party first correctly identifying the issues, but more importantly outlining how to solve it.

“What a novel approach that is.”

A spokesperson for WhatDoTheyKnow confirmed to the Press Association that Mr Lowe had been banned from using the website but declined to comment further.