Elon Musk retweet signals rightwing split that could help Andy Burnham in Makerfield
A recent retweet by Elon Musk has highlighted a division within the right-wing political landscape in the UK, potentially benefiting Labour's Andy Burnham in the upcoming Makerfield byelection. The far-right party Restore Britain, founded by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe, appears to be siphoning support from the Reform party. Polls indicate that while Labour leads, the presence of Restore could significantly impact the election outcome.
- ▪Elon Musk's retweet of Rupert Lowe's party, Restore Britain, signals a split in the right-wing vote.
- ▪Andy Burnham is currently leading in polls for the Makerfield byelection, with Reform's candidate trailing.
- ▪Restore Britain is gaining traction, polling at 7%, while Reform is at 40% and Labour at 43%.
- ▪Rupert Lowe's party advocates for controversial policies including mass deportations of foreign-born residents.
- ▪The political landscape is increasingly fragmented, which could influence the byelection results.
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Rupert Lowe at the launch of his party, Restore Britain, in February. Lowe was a Reform MP until he fell out with Nigel Farage and had the whip suspended. Photograph: Jason Bye/The GuardianView image in fullscreenRupert Lowe at the launch of his party, Restore Britain, in February. Lowe was a Reform MP until he fell out with Nigel Farage and had the whip suspended. Photograph: Jason Bye/The GuardianByelectionsMusk retweet signals rightwing split that could help Burnham in Makerfield byelectionFar-right party set up by former Reform MP appears to be taking some support from FarageHelena HortonMon 25 May 2026 06.14 EDTLast modified on Mon 25 May 2026 06.22 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleAndy Burnham is unlikely to be Elon Musk’s first pick to be prime minister of the UK.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at World news | The Guardian.