Restore Britain Officially Launches as New Right-Wing Political Party
In the ever-evolving landscape of British politics, a new contender has officially entered the fray. Restore Britain, led by former Southampton FC owner and Reform MP Rupert Lowe, launched as a political party on February 13, 2026. This development adds another layer to the complex tapestry of right-wing populist movements in the United Kingdom, which already includes Nigel Farage's Reform UK and Laurence Fox's Reclaim Party.
Navigating the Maze of Right-Wing Parties
The launch of Restore Britain highlights the crowded and sometimes confusing field of right-wing political organizations in the UK. While Reform UK has dominated headlines and polls for over a year, and Reclaim has established its presence under former actor Laurence Fox, Restore Britain now positions itself as a distinct entity with its own agenda. It's crucial to distinguish these parties from other similarly named groups like the pro-EU Renew Party or the historical anti-EU Referendum Party.
Rupert Lowe's Political Journey and Digital Influence
Rupert Lowe's path to launching Restore Britain has been marked by controversy and digital prominence. As a Reform MP, Lowe faced suspension in 2025 amid a police investigation into allegations of verbal threats against then-chairman Zia Yusuf, though the Crown Prosecution Service later announced he would not be charged. Despite this setback, Lowe has cultivated a significant online following, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where his anti-immigrant views have been amplified by site owner Elon Musk.
With a follower count surpassing influential figures like Rachel Reeves, Wes Streeting, Yvette Cooper, and Kemi Badenoch, Lowe has leveraged his digital momentum to build Restore Britain. He announced the organization in June 2025 and confirmed its official party status in February 2026, aiming to translate virtual support into political reality.
Policy Platform and Vision
In a widely shared launch video retweeted nearly 45,000 times, Lowe outlined Restore Britain's core policies against a backdrop of somber piano music. The party's platform includes:
- Deporting individuals residing in the UK illegally
- Tackling welfare system exploitation
- Reducing unnecessary regulations
While these points echo mainstream party manifestos, Lowe diverges with specific measures targeting non-Christian practices:
- Banning the burqa
- Outlawing Sharia law
- Ending halal and kosher slaughter in the UK
Additionally, Lowe advocates for a referendum on reinstating the death penalty, positioning Restore Britain on the far right of the political spectrum.
Challenges and Public Recognition
Despite his online following, Lowe faces significant challenges in gaining broader public recognition. A recent poll indicates only 8% of the public can identify him from a picture, down from 14% in March 2025. This lack of visibility could hinder Restore Britain's electoral prospects, especially in a competitive field where Reform UK continues to dominate right-wing discourse.
Broader Political Context
The launch of Restore Britain occurs amid ongoing shifts in UK politics, including Reform UK's policy reversals and internal dynamics. As right-wing parties vie for influence, the fragmentation of this political space raises questions about their collective impact on national debates and elections. With Lowe's party now officially in the mix, the coming months will test whether Restore Britain can carve out a sustainable niche or fade into the background of an increasingly crowded field.
