Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has criticised Tesla boss Elon Musk for endorsing Restore Britain in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, warning that Musk’s support could split the right-wing vote in the Greater Manchester seat.
Musk recently shared a series of posts on his social platform X backing Restore Britain, a move that has intensified tensions ahead of the crucial contest.
Farage spoke to the Telegraph, saying: “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 also suggested that Labour’s candidate, Andy Burnham, would benefit from this division, potentially improving his chances in the by-election.
A recent Survation poll in Makerfield showed Labour’s Andy Burnham leading with 43% support, closely followed by Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon at 40%, with Restore Britain’s Rebecca Shepherd polling at 7%. The survey, which sampled 504 people, 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 insisted that the party represents millions of Britons and focuses on its members and community rather than any single individual.
Elon Musk’s social media activity has included 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 backing 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 are:
- 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.
