Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has criticised Tesla CEO Elon Musk for endorsing Restore Britain in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, cautioning that Musk’s support risks dividing the right-wing vote.
Musk recently shared several posts on his social platform X backing Restore Britain, intensifying tensions ahead of the pivotal contest in the Greater Manchester constituency.
Farage expressed his concerns to the Telegraph, stating, “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.”
He further suggested that Labour candidate Andy Burnham might benefit from the split, potentially improving his chances in the by-election.
A recent Survation poll conducted in Makerfield shows Labour’s Andy Burnham leading with 43% support, closely followed by Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon at 40%, while Restore Britain’s Rebecca Shepherd polls at 7%. The survey sampled 504 people and is described as an “indicative early look.”
Restore Britain’s leader, Mr Lowe, rejected Farage’s criticism as inaccurate. Speaking to UKNIP, he said, “Farage has just gone to the media to attack Restore Britain, again. He says Elon Musk is supporting a party that’s one man with a social media account. This is where Farage is so very wrong.”
Lowe emphasised that the party represents millions of Britons and focuses on its members and community rather than any single individual.
Elon Musk has actively promoted Restore Britain by reposting supportive messages from Mr Lowe and responding to an interview with Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman, Robert Jenrick, by posting the phrase “Restore Britain.” This high-profile endorsement has brought attention to the small party’s campaign, which could influence the outcome between Labour and Reform UK candidates.
The candidates standing in the Makerfield by-election include:
- Andy Burnham – Labour Party
- Robert Kenyon – Reform UK
- Rebecca Shepherd – Restore Britain
- Jake Austin – Liberal Democrats
- Dan Clarke – Libertarian Party
- Alan “Howlin” Laud Hope – Official Monster Raving Loony Party
- Sarah Wakefield – Green Party
- Peter Ward – Rejoin EU
- Michael Winstanley – Conservative Party
Originally published by UKNIP.
