Far-Right Party Formed by Ex-Reform MP Gains Support from Farage Base
Andy Burnham is unlikely to be Elon Musk’s preferred choice for UK prime minister. However, the US tech billionaire’s recent support for a far-right faction emerging from Reform UK signals a fragmented right-wing landscape that could benefit the Manchester mayor in the upcoming Makerfield byelection.
On 18 June, Burnham will contest a byelection in Greater Manchester, where polls show him only marginally ahead of Reform UK’s candidate, Robert Kenyon, a plumber by profession. Meanwhile, a far-right party established by a former Reform MP appears to be siphoning votes from Reform.
Restore Britain Formed by Ex-Reform MP and Former Farage Ally
Andrew Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth, previously allied with Nigel Farage, had the party whip suspended following allegations of bullying and verbal abuse, which he denies. Subsequently, Lowe founded a rival party, Restore Britain, which seems to be attracting Reform’s voter base.
Restore Britain has nominated Rebecca Shepherd, a 53-year-old local businesswoman, as its candidate. A recent Survation poll of 369 respondents in the Greater Manchester constituency, excluding undecided voters, placed Restore Britain third with 7%, Reform second with 40%, and Labour first with 43%.
Labour canvassers have reportedly observed increasing support for Restore Britain during door-to-door campaigning, according to party sources.
Farage and Musk’s Involvement in the Right-Wing Split
Nigel Farage commented that Burnham would be “delighted” following Musk’s retweet of Lowe’s tweet promoting Restore Britain. Farage told the Telegraph:
“Elon Musk has decided he will try to split the Right of British politics as best he can. This is supporting a party that’s one man with a social media account. Quite what he’s trying to achieve, I have no idea.”
Restore Britain has also received backing from former Dragons’ Den star and gym entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne, who praised Shepherd last week as “very passionate” about “rejuvenating our high streets.”
Campaign Team and Controversies Surrounding Restore Britain
For the Makerfield campaign, Lowe has enlisted Scott Benton, a disgraced former Conservative MP, who was implicated in a Times undercover investigation suggesting willingness to breach lobbying rules for financial gain. A Reform UK source criticized Lowe’s collaboration with Benton, stating:
“Lowe is constantly attacking us for accepting former Tories, now he is working with a Tory who resigned his seat in disgrace.”
Restore Britain advocates for “remigration,” described as “the most ambitious programme of mass deportations ever seen in Britain.” The party’s manifesto includes deporting foreign-born legal residents who, for example, reside in social housing or receive benefits.
Lowe has made offensive remarks about immigrants, notably at the Makerfield campaign launch, stating:
“They should be deported to a midge-infested island offshore either England or Scotland and let the midges do the rest.”
Reform UK members observed that Shepherd appeared uneasy standing beside Lowe during these comments, with one remarking,
“I wonder if she knew what she let herself in for.”
Reform UK’s Response to Restore Britain’s Growing Support
Reform UK is actively countering Restore Britain’s rising popularity. Its official X account posted:
“Vote Restore, get Burnham”
Additionally, Sarah Pochin, Reform’s MP for Runcorn, stated:
“If you go Lowe, you get Labour.”
A Reform source expressed concern:
“I think people are quite worried, because as Makerfield shows it only takes a few per cent.”
Polling Insights and Political Implications
Polling data appears to reflect voter sentiment accurately. Luke Tryl, pollster at More in Common, noted:
“In general we are noticing them being raised more in focus groups, and Lowe in particular among more right-leaning participants. It tends to be people who are more engaged so the test I think is are they just an online phenomenon or something deeper and Makerfield might show that.”
He further added:
“Even if they get 2-3% in a general election in an era of fragmented politics that could well be enough to make a huge difference in terms of seats and so Farage ends up in this dilemma of chase those voters but risk alienating the broader mainstream he needs to get to No 10.”
Raheem Kassam’s Criticism of Restore Britain and Musk’s Endorsement
Raheem Kassam, former chief adviser to Nigel Farage and close to Reform UK’s leader, participated in the local election campaign alongside him. Now based in Washington DC, Kassam dismissed Restore Britain as a “spite party from all angles” and criticized Musk’s endorsement.
“After Elon and then his he has pivoted to the UK because Nigel refused to cave to his demands after they met. It’s a spite party from all angles. Rupert because he got caught planning a coup against Nigel. And Elon because Farage told him to bugger off.”
Kassam added:
“You’d think the British right would see through it, and recognise that Lowe – who I compare to Rodney Trotter in real life – is just [Musk’s] little pawn piece.”
Lowe’s Reaction to Polling and Establishment Criticism
Lowe appears unconcerned by the possibility that his party’s presence could aid Andy Burnham’s victory. He dismissed the polling as “establishment polls” and claimed:
“It doesn’t chime with our polling which shows us having the most incredible support.”
He also commented on the establishment’s reaction:
“The establishment meltdown over Restore Britain has been astonishing these last two days – trust me when I say this, they are going to keep coming for us. They want us gone. My advice? Ignore the noise, keep calm, Restore Britain.”
