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Musk-Backed Restore Britain Hits Third in Makerfield Poll

5/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Online promotion lifted the obscure Restore Britain party, led by former football chairman Rupert Lowe, into third place in the Makerfield by-election polls.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said Elon Musk’s endorsement of Restore Britain aims to split the right.
Survation’s poll placed Restore Britain third, noting that a £6,000 Facebook ad spend generated 1.2 million followers, twice Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s audience.

History

Historical Context

After the 2010 general election gave UKIP a national vote share but no parliamentary seats, the party had previously secured two London Assembly seats in 2004. Building on that breakthrough, Restore Britain now spends £6,000 on a Facebook ad endorsed by Elon Musk, claiming third place in Makerfield polls and forcing the Conservatives and Labour to rethink digital outreach.

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Story summary

Online promotion lifted the obscure Restore Britain party, led by former football chairman Rupert Lowe, into third place in the Makerfield by-election polls.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said Elon Musk’s endorsement of Restore Britain aims to split the right.
Survation’s poll placed Restore Britain third, noting that a £6,000 Facebook ad spend generated 1.2 million followers, twice Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s audience.

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