Rupert Lowe's Restore Party has vowed to commit all its resources to ending Nigel Farage's parliamentary career should the Reform leader face a by-election. This potential electoral contest could be triggered by an ongoing inquiry into a £5 million undeclared donation Farage received.
Farage is currently awaiting the verdict from a House of Commons standards committee investigation into why he did not disclose the substantial gift from a British cryptocurrency investor based in Thailand. The donation was made several months before his election in 2024. According to House of Commons rules, MPs must declare relevant donations received within the preceding 12 months. While purely personal gifts are exempt, the rules state that any benefit should be registered if there is any doubt.
If the committee recommends a suspension of ten or more days from the Commons, Farage could face a recall petition, which would necessitate a by-election in his Clacton constituency. Lowe, the leader of Restore, described his party as an established national political entity with a significant presence in constituencies like Clacton. He stated that if a by-election occurs in Clacton or any other 'neglected seaside town,' Restore would contest it with full force.
Farage has explained the donation as an unconditional gift for his personal security, telling the BBC that while it was a private matter, he acknowledged the standards commissioner might hold a different view. Westminster sources suggest that neither the Labour nor Conservative parties are keen to push for sanctions that could lead to a by-election, fearing Farage might exploit the situation as a victim of the establishment and secure an increased majority upon re-election.
However, one Conservative MP noted that the decision on sanctions rests with the seven-member standards committee, which includes four Labour MPs, two Tories, and one Liberal Democrat, along with seven lay members. This MP pointed out that politicians would not be able to dictate the punishment if the committee decides to sanction Farage.
Reports indicate that Restore may present a significant challenge in Clacton, as the party has demonstrated strength in East Anglia, having won all council seats in Rupert Lowe's own constituency of Great Yarmouth during the May local elections. Lowe expressed confidence in replicating this success elsewhere, stating, "We demolished the competition in Great Yarmouth, and we can do the same elsewhere."
Nigel Farage declined to comment on the matter.