Elon Musk’s Retweet Fuels Split in UK Right Ahead of Makerfield Byelection

On 16 June, Elon Musk amplified a post by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe promoting Lowe’s new party, Restore Britain, for the Makerfield byelection on 18 June. The retweet highlighted fringe candidate Rebecca Shepherd, a local businesswoman, and introduced a foreign endorsement into a race between Labour’s Andy Burnham and Reform’s Robert Kenyon.

The Guardian

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, split after Rupert Lowe’s suspension for alleged bullying. Lowe founded Restore Britain, calling it a “spite party” to draw votes from Reform, and hired MP Scott Benton for the Makerfield campaign. Actors include Labour mayor Andy Burnham, Reform’s Robert Kenyon, businessman Duncan Bannatyne and Farage adviser Raheem Kassam.

The Guardian

A Survation poll of 369 respondents, excluding undecided voters, gave Labour 43%, Reform 40% and Restore Britain 7%. Luke Tryl of More in Common warned a 2-3% Restore share could swing marginal seats. The split could hand Makerfield to Labour, curbing Reform’s momentum and showing how a single social-media boost can shift voter calculations.

The Guardian

Reform’s X account posted “Vote Restore, get Burnham,” and MP Sarah Pochin warned that supporting Lowe would aid Labour. Lowe dismissed the poll as “establishment polls.” Nigel Farage said Musk “is trying to split the right of British politics,” while Raheem Kassam called Restore a “spite party.” Duncan Bannatyne called Shepherd “very passionate” about “rejuvenating our high streets.”

The Guardian

Labour canvassers reported rising doorstep support for Restore, noting Shepherd’s discomfort when Lowe called for deportations to a “midge-infested island.” Volunteers said the campaign is largely online but gaining traction locally.

The Guardian

Polls differ on Restore’s support; some analysts doubt the 7% figure reflects a durable base. Musk’s retweet lacked a formal endorsement, leaving his influence unclear. No official probe of foreign-influence rules has been announced.

The Guardian

• “Elon Musk has decided he will try to split the right of British politics as best he can. This is supporting a party that’s one man with a social media account. Quite what he’s trying to achieve, I have no idea.” — Nigel Farage, Former UKIP Leader

The Guardian

• “Shepherd was ‘very passionate’ about ‘rejuvenating our high streets’.” — Duncan Bannatyne, Businessman

The Guardian

• “They should be deported to a midge-infested island offshore either England or Scotland and let the midges do the rest.” — Rupert Lowe, Founder of Restore Britain

The Guardian

• “After Elon failed with Doge and then his aborted ‘America party’ idea, he has pivoted to the UK because Nigel refused to cave to his demands after they met. It’s a spite party from all angles.” — Raheem Kassam, Former Farage Adviser

The Guardian

The Makerfield byelection is on 18 June. Reform and Restore will intensify social-media outreach, and officials are ready to probe any foreign-influence breaches. The result will reveal whether Musk’s retweet can affect the vote.

The Guardian