Back to Headlines
Politics
Jun 03, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

Does UK’s new far‑right party, Restore, pose a threat to Farage’s Reform?

AI Summary
UK’s newly formed far‑right party Restore Britain, led by former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, has quickly amassed tens of thousands of members and is polling in the Makerfield by‑election, raising concerns that it could split the anti‑immigration vote and weaken Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. Experts warn the split may affect the upcoming by‑election and the broader right‑wing landscape.

Lead: The launch of Restore Britain – a hard‑line anti‑immigration party founded by former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe – has injected a new competitor into the UK far‑right, prompting questions about whether it will erode Nigel Farage's support base ahead of a crucial Makerfield by‑election.

The Rise of Restore Britain and Its Challenge to Reform UK

Less than four months after its inception, Restore Britain claims more than 96,000 members and 13 councillors, most of whom defected from Reform. The party positions itself as the “only leader willing to take decisive action against immigration,” a stance amplified by a public endorsement from tech billionaire Elon Musk on X.

Poll Numbers Reveal a Fragmented Far‑Right Vote

  • Makerfield by‑election (June 18): Labour incumbent historically holds the seat, but a Survation poll shows Keir Starmer’s ally Andy Burnham at 43 %, Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon at 40 %, and Restore Britain candidate Rebecca Shepherd at 7 %.
  • Membership: 96,000+ members and 13 councillors have joined Restore since its launch.

Implications for the Makerfield By‑Election and National Politics

The narrow margin between Labour and Reform suggests that Restore’s 7 % share could tip the balance, potentially preventing Reform from consolidating the anti‑immigration vote. Analysts from King’s College London and Queen Mary University warn that the split may hinder Farage’s ambition to become a king‑maker in Westminster, especially if Restore continues to attract the “more extreme” faction of the far‑right.

What the Split Means for Future UK Elections

Experts predict a multi‑party right‑wing landscape where Restore Britain may secure “a few seats here or there,” siphoning votes from Reform and complicating any coalition‑building effort. If the Makerfield contest demonstrates Restore’s ability to win marginal constituencies, the party could force Reform to either harden its rhetoric or risk further marginalisation, reshaping the dynamics of UK far‑right politics for the next general election.