Nigel Farage has launched a scathing attack on Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain party, comparing it to the far-right National Front. The Reform UK leader described the party as a "one-man band" and said he is not fearful of its influence, despite it polling at 4% nationally and potentially damaging Reform UK's prospects in the Makerfield by-election.
Farage's Blistering Attack
Speaking during a special episode of the Daily Expresso recorded in his Clacton constituency to mark the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum, Farage pointed to Margaret Thatcher's success in defeating the National Front in the 1970s. He said: "She didn't have a monopoly of the right wing vote when she became Conservative party leader in 1975. The National Front were on 7% to 9% but yeah, and by-elections where they got 18% and things like that. She dealt with that, the National Front vote eroded, the BNP took over, but it was kind of a 2% party and I believe that's the case with the centre right British politics today."
One-Man Band
Farage dismissed Restore Britain's influence, saying: "Talk about one man band, who is there apart from Rupert Lowe, and one or two figures around the edges that appear on the media say things that would not appeal to more than about 2% of the electorate, so I'm not deeply fearful of it." He also criticised Elon Musk for supporting Restore in the by-election, warning the tech billionaire will "split the right."
Background
Rupert Lowe founded Restore Britain after being suspended from Reform UK last year amid allegations he threatened then-party chairman Zia Yusuf. He denied the claims, and the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed no charges would be brought. In response to Farage's remarks, Lowe told the Express: "Farage is rattled. Restore Britain is going to shock the world in Makerfield."
