Elon Musk has once again intervened in British politics, this time throwing his support behind Restore Britain in the upcoming Makerfield by-election. The tech billionaire took to his social media platform X to endorse the party, simply posting 'Restore Britain' in response to a message from the party's leader, Rupert Lowe.
Background on Restore Britain
Restore Britain was founded by Rupert Lowe ten months ago as a pressure group before officially becoming a political party in February. The party now boasts 21 councillors and one MP, Lowe himself. However, Lowe was suspended from Reform UK in March last year following allegations that he made threats of violence against the party's then-chairman, Zia Yusuf.
Nigel Farage's Warning
On Sunday night, Nigel Farage expressed concern that Musk's support for Restore Britain could inadvertently benefit Labour. 'Elon Musk has decided he will try to split the Right of British politics,' Farage warned, adding that this plays into the hands of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
A recent poll indicated that Restore Britain is set to finish third in the Makerfield by-election, with just seven per cent of the vote. This could prove crucial, as Reform UK is currently trailing Labour's Andy Burnham by only three percentage points.
Rupert Lowe's Response
Rupert Lowe welcomed Musk's endorsement, stating: 'Elon Musk backing Restore Britain sends a clear message that real change is possible and the establishment is losing control.' The by-election is seen as a key test of the right-wing vote's cohesion in British politics.
