A new political force has entered the UK landscape with the formal launch of Restore Britain as a registered political party. Founded by former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, the party aims to field “hundreds of qualified candidates” in the next General Election, drawing from outside the traditional political establishment. The move comes after a period as a political movement, and has already garnered the public endorsement of tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Lowe announced the transition from movement to party on Friday, stating he had “no other choice” given the perceived failures of the existing political system. Restore Britain will operate as an “umbrella organisation,” partnering with locally based parties to deliver on local priorities. Lowe himself intends to contest his current seat in Great Yarmouth, partnering with the local party Great Yarmouth First. This new venture signals a significant shift in the UK’s political right, particularly following Lowe’s departure from Reform UK last year.
From Reform UK Exit to New Party Launch
Lowe’s exit from Reform UK in March 2025 followed allegations of bullying, claims he vehemently denies. The launch of Restore Britain as a political party, as reported by Wikipedia, marks a formalization of a movement initially established after his departure. During his time with Reform UK, Lowe reportedly clashed with party leader Nigel Farage, with leaked messages revealing Farage’s criticism of Lowe’s behavior, according to The Independent.
The party’s launch video, as reported by multiple sources, included a pointed critique of the current political landscape, promising to exclude “failed ministers” and those “tainted by failures of the past” – a clear jab at Reform UK’s recent influx of Conservative defectors. A key focus for Restore Britain, Lowe stated, is addressing issues the existing system has ignored, specifically referencing the party’s independent inquiry into grooming gangs, which he claims was initiated due to a lack of action from mainstream politics.
Musk’s Endorsement and Party Structure
The backing of Elon Musk has provided a significant boost to Restore Britain’s profile. On Saturday, Musk urged his followers to join the party, stating Lowe “is the only one who will actually do it,” as reported by The Daily Mail. Musk had previously signaled support for a “credible party to the right of Reform,” suggesting a willingness to invest in alternative political movements.
Restore Britain’s structure is designed to attract a broad base of support, inviting “patriots from Reform, Conservatives, Advance, the SDP and more” to join its ranks. The party has also seen initial support from within the Conservative party, with Susan Hall, the Conservative leader in the London Assembly, and Sir Gavin Williamson, a former minister, previously involved in its advisory board. However, Sir Gavin Williamson has indicated he will step down from his advisory role now that Restore Britain has grow a formal political party.
The party intends to field candidates across the country, focusing on recruiting individuals from outside the traditional political sphere – “men and women who have succeeded in their own fields, and want to deliver a better Britain.” This approach aims to present a fresh alternative to voters disillusioned with career politicians.
What comes next for Restore Britain will depend on its ability to translate initial enthusiasm into concrete electoral support. The party faces the challenge of building a national campaign infrastructure and attracting a diverse pool of candidates. The next General Election will be a crucial test of whether Lowe’s vision for a new political force can resonate with voters and disrupt the established order.
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