The Makerfield by-election has thrust Restore Britain into the national political spotlight, as the party may prevent Reform UK from securing victory. Polling indicates Labour's Andy Burnham will receive approximately 45.5% of the vote, while Reform's Robert Kenyon is projected to get 41%. Restore Britain is expected to attract 5% of the vote, potentially splitting the right-wing vote and handing victory to Burnham.
Migration Plans
Restore Britain advocates for "reverse mass migration" through deporting illegal migrants and foreign criminals, introducing a "red list" of countries with stricter security checks, and scrapping Indefinite Leave to Remain benefits. Reform UK's "Operation Restoring Justice" proposes a five-year emergency program to identify, detain, and deport illegal migrants, with a new Illegal Migration Bill creating a legal duty for removal and disapplying key international conventions.
Grooming Gangs
Rupert Lowe chaired an independent inquiry into grooming gangs, led by survivor Sammy Woodhouse, which concluded that the establishment enabled the abuse. Reform UK has not conducted an inquiry but promises to release all government files on grooming gangs within 100 days, introduce life sentences for gang members, and increase funding for dedicated taskforces by £300 million.
Social Media Reach and Elon Musk
Restore Britain has gained support from Elon Musk, who posted about the inquiry. Lowe has a greater reach on X than Farage, with 10 posts exceeding 10 million views since February, despite Farage having three times as many followers. Reform UK previously engaged in talks with Musk about donations.
The Death Penalty
Lowe supports capital punishment for the worst offenders and proposes a binding referendum on restoring the death penalty. Farage opposes it, citing miscarriages of justice, and states it will not be party policy, though he acknowledges growing public support.
Tommy Robinson
Farage has distanced himself from Tommy Robinson, stating he is not welcome in Reform UK. Lowe, however, said Robinson would be free to join Restore Britain if he wished.
