The Makerfield byelection has descended into a bitter feud between two right-wing parties, Reform UK and Restore Britain, with both sides trading insults and accusations throughout the week. Spurred on by Elon Musk, the populist right has turned inward, focusing on internal rivalries rather than the main contest against Labour's Andy Burnham.
Saturday 23 May: Row Over Polling Support
Rupert Lowe, leader of Restore Britain and a former Reform UK MP expelled after bullying allegations, released canvassing returns claiming 24.6% support for his candidate Rebecca Shepherd. However, a Survation poll of 369 people showed Restore on 7%, Reform on 40%, and Labour's Andy Burnham on 43%. Nigel Farage, seemingly rattled, declared that Reform's candidate Robert Kenyon is the only one who can stop Burnham, calling it a two-horse race.
Sunday 24 May: Musk Endorses Restore
Elon Musk endorsed Restore by reposting Lowe's tweet with the caption "Restore Britain," leading to over 32 million views. Musk later shared another post where Lowe attacked Farage, captioning it "Only Restore Britain can save Britain." Lowe also targeted Reform's justice spokesperson Robert Jenrick, referencing his record as immigration minister. Farage responded by saying Burnham would be delighted with Musk's intervention, accusing Musk of trying to split the right.
Monday 25 May: Kenyon's Controversial Posts
Reform MP Danny Kruger struggled to defend deleted social media posts by Kenyon endorsing misogynistic comments about Carol Vorderman, calling them "inappropriate" but "private conversations." Vorderman demanded an apology. Later, Matt Goodwin disparaged Restore's candidate, and Lowe retaliated regarding Kenyon's comments. Robert Jenrick leaked messages from Restore's spokesperson Orla Minihane, leading to accusations of dirty politics. Journalist Isabel Oakeshott taunted Minihane, who called her "pathetic."
Tuesday 26 May: Brexit Credentials Questioned
At 5.37am, Richard Tice praised a column calling Lowe "sick making." The Times revealed posts attributed to Kenyon suggesting he did not support Brexit, writing in March 2019 that he was "none of the above" regarding Trump, Brexit, and the Daily Mail. Reform insisted Kenyon voted for Brexit. Reform MP Sarah Pochin accidentally said the race was between Labour and Restore, quickly correcting herself. An internal Reform squabble erupted when Zia Yusuf publicly rebuked Jenrick for equivocating on deportation policy. Kenyon accused Lowe of lying about immigration, calling himself the only working-class local candidate.
Wednesday 27 May: Russia and Crimea Comments
The Telegraph revealed posts attributed to Kenyon supporting Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2014 and comparing it to Britain's Falklands intervention. He also criticised Brexiters and suggested Hillary Clinton was responsible for the Manchester Arena bombing due to Libya intervention. Reform stood by Kenyon, and Farage complained to the Charity Commission about Hope Not Hate, which first exposed the offensive comments.
Thursday 28 May: Lowe Challenges Farage
Lowe and Farage continued their social media war. Farage endorsed a ban on cousin marriage in Sweden, calling it un-British, but stopped short of pledging a UK ban. Lowe responded, "This is all so pathetic – commit to banning it. That's exactly what Restore Britain will do. Show some balls for a change."
