In a bold and polarizing move, the UK’s far-right landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, with Rupert Lowe emerging as the new face of a movement that could redefine the political spectrum. But here’s where it gets controversial: Lowe, once a key figure in Reform UK, is now spearheading a rival party, Restore Britain, promising mass deportations and a hardline stance on immigration—a message that has already ignited both fervent support and fierce backlash. On a chilly evening in a rundown theater at the end of Great Yarmouth’s Britannia Pier, Lowe declared, ‘Millions will have to go,’ to thunderous applause from a crowd eager for radical change. This wasn’t just a local rally; it was the launchpad for a national challenge to Nigel Farage’s Reform party, which Lowe left amid acrimony last year.
And this is the part most people miss: While Restore Britain may seem like just another pebble in the crowded field of far-right startups, it’s quickly gaining traction. Over the weekend, Advance UK, led by former Reform deputy leader Ben Habib and backed by the controversial Tommy Robinson, hinted at a potential merger. Such a union could splinter the hard-right vote, potentially costing Reform crucial seats in an election where margins are razor-thin. A seasoned Tory strategist warned, ‘Small challengers on the right could disrupt Reform’s ambitions, especially in constituencies where Labour’s majority hangs by a thread.’ In 2024, 46 seats were decided by less than a 2% margin—a statistic that underscores the stakes.
What’s fueling this rise? Social media, for one. Lowe and Habib have carved out significant followings on X (formerly Twitter), amplified by none other than Elon Musk, who has publicly sided with Lowe over Farage. Musk’s retweet of Lowe—‘Join Rupert Lowe in Restore Britain, because he is the only one who will actually do it!’—sent shockwaves through the platform. Meanwhile, a cohort of young, right-wing influencers pushing an ethnically nationalistic vision of Britain has flocked to Lowe, seeing him as a cult figure capable of delivering on their ideals.
Here’s where it gets even more divisive: Figures like Lucy White, a GB News contributor accused of racist tweets, and Steve Laws, a self-proclaimed ‘ethnonationalist,’ have thrown their weight behind Lowe. Even millionaire businessman Duncan Bannatyne and actor John Cleese have signaled approval. But it’s not just about online support. Advance UK has been cultivating a street-level presence, with its flags prominently displayed at protests like the one in Crowborough, where thousands marched against housing asylum seekers in a former military base.
Habib doesn’t mince words: ‘Reform is vacating the space it was founded on. We’re the old Reform, and they’re becoming Tories 2.0.’ He points to Farage’s recent actions, like accepting funding from an Iranian billionaire to attend Davos, as evidence of Reform’s ideological drift. ‘People are joining us because they’re fed up with Reform’s leadership or because they see Farage changing the message,’ Habib added.
The first test comes this month in the Gorton and Denton byelection, where Advance UK is fielding Nick Buckley, a charity worker turned controversial figure known for his extreme views on race and Islam. Meanwhile, Lowe’s Restore Britain is adopting a decentralized structure, positioning itself as a grassroots alternative to Farage’s top-down approach. The Great Yarmouth First party, a pilot for Restore Britain, aims to sweep all nine borough seats in the upcoming county council elections.
But here’s the question that divides opinion: Can Lowe’s movement truly challenge Reform, or is it just another flash in the pan? While Lowe has proven himself a magnet for attention—even attracting Tory MPs to his self-styled ‘inquiry’ into grooming gangs—Reform remains confident. ‘We won it last time and we will win again,’ a Reform source declared. Yet, Lowe’s rally in Great Yarmouth drew supporters from as far as Scotland, including Maria Bowtell, a former Reform rising star who now feels abandoned by the party. ‘Reform used to stand for something hopeful, but it’s clear they won’t change anything,’ she said. ‘I’m drawn to the idea of independents getting together.’
As the far-right landscape fractures, one thing is certain: this isn’t just a battle for votes—it’s a clash of ideologies. What do you think? Is Lowe’s Restore Britain a necessary corrective, or a dangerous step backward? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate that’s only just beginning.
