British politics is becoming increasingly crowded as independent MP Rupert Lowe has announced the establishment of a new political party called Restore Britain, positioning it as a rival to Nigel Farage’s Reform Britain.
Lowe was elected MP for Great Yarmouth in 2024 under Farage’s British Reform Party but was expelled last year. He stated, “Britain doesn’t need to fiddle with minor issues of reform. Instead of superficial changes, we see the same ineffective ministers now wearing turquoise rosettes.” He emphasized the need for a “total restoration” of courage and responsibility within the political culture to better serve the populace.
The move to formalize a party coincides with an independent investigation into the grooming gang scandal, which Lowe has referred to as the “Rape of Britain.”
The former City of London financier remarked that his party intends to pursue civil actions against rapists, primarily those from Pakistani backgrounds, and those who facilitated the abuse of mostly white working-class girls. He indicated that the inquiry is generating a “target list” of those involved, including police officers, social workers, and politicians.
Lowe also promised a stringent policy on immigration, arguing that Reform UK’s aim to cut immigration to “nearly zero” is inadequate and “feeble.”
“It’s too late. The threats are already at the gates. In the near future, more people will need to leave Britain than arrive. No nation can thrive without shared values and a unified culture,” Lowe said, adding, “I make no apologies for this. Millions need to depart.”
Like other reform advocates, Lowe promised to end welfare benefits for non-citizens, stating, “If you’re in our country as a guest, you must be self-sufficient. If you can’t achieve that, then you must go.”
He also highlighted cultural issues linked to mass immigration, asserting that a Restore Britain government would work to preserve Britain’s Christian heritage and halt what he called the creeping Islamization of the nation. His plans include banning halal and kosher slaughter, restricting the wearing of the burqa, and outlawing sharia courts in the UK.
“Britain is a Christian nation and should remain so under a Restore Britain government,” he affirmed.
Lowe’s announcement received immediate support from Britain’s online right, who have felt frustrated by Farage’s perceived weaknesses on demographic issues. However, some Brexiteer leaders have traditionally leaned more towards a liberal perspective, suggesting that culture, not ancestry, should be prioritized.
Concerns have emerged that Lowe’s party might divide the right-wing populist vote, potentially leading to a leftist government after the next election. Supporters argue that a strong nationalist stance is necessary to motivate disengaged voters to participate.
A recent poll suggests that Farage’s Reform UK may secure 25% of the vote, compared to 10% for Restore Britain. In contrast, if the Greens capture 20% and Labour 15%, a situation could arise where either the Conservatives or Liberal Democrats could play a pivotal role in a coalition government.
This split on the right began last year when Lowe was accused of attempting to take control of the Reform Party through his connections with the Great Yarmouth MP. His then-superior described Farage as a “messiah” leading a “protest party” as opposed to a dedicated political figure.
Further tensions escalated when the former reform committee chairman reported Lowe to the police for alleged physical intimidation. The Crown Prosecution Service determined there wasn’t enough evidence for a realistic chance of conviction against Lowe, who denied the allegations.
