Former Reform MP Launches New Political Party Restore Britain
Rupert Lowe, the former Reform MP representing Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, has officially announced the launch of a new political party called Restore Britain. This move positions the party as a direct rival to Nigel Farage's Reform movement, with Lowe stating the aim is to "restore competence, confidence and national purpose" to British politics.
Restore Britain's Controversial Policy Platform
The newly formed party has outlined a series of hardline policies on its website that have already generated significant controversy. Restore Britain pledges to cut taxes, carry out "millions" of deportations, and put an end to what it terms "creeping Islamification." The latter includes specific measures such as outlawing the burqa and banning halal and kosher slaughtering methods.
Among the most eye-catching pledges is the commitment to withdraw benefits from "all foreign nationals living in Britain." According to data from the 2021 ONS census, more than 10 million British residents were born abroad, accounting for 16 percent of the population. The party's website declares: "If you are a guest in our country, you will support yourself. If you cannot do that, you must leave."
Restore Britain has also pledged to end all foreign aid and funding for international development initiatives, taking a strongly isolationist approach to international relations.
Political Landscape and Reactions
Restore Britain joins a growing menu of right-wing parties in the UK, which also includes Advance UK led by former Reform figure Ben Habib, and Mr. Farage's former party UKIP. Mr. Habib expressed delight at Mr. Lowe's new party, hinting that the two parties could later merge as a "unifying force."
However, critics have voiced concerns that yet another right-wing party will split votes under Britain's first-past-the-post electoral system, potentially weakening the overall right-wing vote. Others have challenged Restore Britain's hardline policies toward foreign residents.
One critic wrote: "Every foreign national is a very broad term. As an immigrant who's been here for 30 years fully assimilated and tax paying are you saying I'll not be entitled to the benefits that I've contributed to should I ever require them?" Another commented: "We are a nation of immigrants, let's not forget that. Hands up who is pure English whatever that means."
Rupert Lowe's Political Journey
Rupert Lowe, a former Conservative member, entered politics as an MEP for Reform's predecessor, the Brexit Party. The ex-chairman of Southampton Football Club was elected to his current seat under Mr. Farage's sky blue banner in the 2024 election.
Differences soon became apparent between Lowe and Farage, notably on far-right campaigner Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon), who Mr. Farage insisted was not welcome in Reform. Another flashpoint was immigration, with Mr. Lowe supporting the deportation of "a million" migrants if necessary, a measure not endorsed by the Reform leader.
By March 2025, Mr. Lowe branded Reform as a protest movement led by a "messiah." He was suspended from the party a day later after its chairman, Zia Yusuf, alleged that Mr. Lowe had made several verbal threats toward him and had failed to cooperate with an investigation. Mr. Lowe has denied all allegations against him, which were subsequently dropped after the CPS said there was insufficient evidence to lead to a likely conviction.
Recent Developments and Support
Sitting as an Independent since his suspension, Mr. Lowe had also launched a local faction in December named Great Yarmouth First. He has been a leading figure campaigning for an inquiry on grooming gangs, attracting the interest of Elon Musk, who has since appeared to endorse Restore Britain.
The Tesla founder wrote on Saturday that Mr. Lowe was the "only one who will actually do it." According to the parliamentary register of interests, Mr. Lowe has been paid nearly £40,000 from Musk's social platform X within the last 12 months.
Before launching as a separate party, Restore had attracted several prominent Conservative members in an advisory capacity, including former London mayoral candidate Susan Hall and former cabinet minister Sir Gavin Williamson. Both figures have since suggested they will be leaving their roles at Restore following the latest announcement.
The party describes itself as an umbrella organization that would partner with local parties, including Lowe's own local group Great Yarmouth First. This structure suggests a federated approach to political organization rather than a traditional top-down party model.
