The Makerfield byelection has become a battleground not between Labour and its challengers, but between two rightwing parties: Reform UK and Restore Britain. The week was marked by personal attacks, polling disputes, and social media clashes, with Elon Musk adding fuel to the fire.
Saturday 23 May: Row Over Restore's Support
Rupert Lowe, leader of Restore Britain, released canvassing data claiming 24.6% support for his candidate Rebecca Shepherd. A Survation poll showed Restore at 7%, Reform at 40%, and Labour on 43%. Nigel Farage seized on the poll, calling Reform's candidate Robert Kenyon the only one who can stop Andy Burnham.
Sunday 24 May: Musk Endorses Restore
Elon Musk reposted Lowe's tweet, adding 'Restore Britain,' and later shared another post attacking Farage. Lowe criticized Reform's Robert Jenrick over immigration policies. Farage said Burnham would be delighted by Musk's intervention, accusing him of splitting the right.
Monday 25 May: Kenyon's 'Inappropriate' Posts
Reform MP Danny Kruger defended Kenyon's deleted misogynist comments about Carol Vorderman, calling them 'inappropriate' but 'private conversations.' Vorderman demanded an apology. Matt Goodwin disparaged Restore's candidate, leading Lowe to retaliate. Robert Jenrick leaked messages from Restore's Orla Minihane, who accused him of 'dirty politics.' Isabel Oakeshott taunted Minihane, who called her 'pathetic.'
Tuesday 26 May: Kenyon's Brexit Credentials Questioned
Richard Tice praised a column calling Lowe 'sick making.' The Times revealed posts suggesting Kenyon did not support Brexit, though Reform insisted he voted for it. Reform MP Sarah Pochin mistakenly called the race a two-horse race between Labour and Restore, quickly correcting herself. Zia Yusuf publicly rebuked Jenrick over deportation policy. Kenyon accused Lowe of lying about immigration.
Wednesday 27 May: Kenyon Backed Russia's Invasion of Crimea
The Telegraph revealed posts attributed to Kenyon supporting Russia's invasion of Crimea and comparing it to the Falklands. He also criticized Brexiters and suggested Hillary Clinton was responsible for the Manchester Arena bombing. Reform stuck by Kenyon, and Farage complained to the Charity Commission about Hope Not Hate.
Thursday 28 May: Lowe to Farage: 'Show Some Balls'
Farage endorsed a ban on cousin marriage in Sweden but stopped short of a UK pledge. Lowe called it 'pathetic' and committed to a ban, urging Farage to 'show some balls.'
