The hard-right Restore Britain party is experiencing internal strife, with prominent members and supporters publicly denouncing leader Rupert Lowe for remarks defending multiculturalism. The conflict erupted after a clip surfaced showing Lowe expressing openness to a multicultural society, stating he had "no problem" with it if people integrate.
Lowe's comments, particularly his acknowledgment of the King's support for Muslim worshippers, drew immediate backlash from within the party's anti-immigration base. Connor Tomlinson, a key supporter and activist, declared that multiculturalism "has not worked, will never work, and was never wanted." Tomlinson further criticized the party's perceived "structural problems, weak candidates, and blasé decision-making," suggesting that the party might have already served its purpose if it amounts to little more than a pressure campaign. He expressed concern that these issues have hindered the party's ability to challenge Reform UK as the leading right-wing force.
Another significant supporter, Steve Laws, known for his far-right views including calls for the mass deportation of foreigners, demanded an apology from Lowe. Laws also insisted on a commitment to "remigration," or the mass deportation of immigrants, stating that such a commitment is the "bare minimum" expectation. He warned that if Lowe does not comply, a new political vehicle would be necessary.
A party member with a substantial following on X also voiced discontent, stating, "I'm not voting for multiculturalism. If you share the same worldview as Zack Polanski, what's the point?" This sentiment equates Lowe's perceived leniency on multiculturalism with the views of a progressive politician.
Additional rifts have emerged over party management. Miles Routledge, a donor who contributed £2,500, expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of basic acknowledgment, having allegedly never received a promised thank-you call from Lowe. Routledge also reported being unable to secure a candidate position for local elections after his application was seemingly ignored. He indicated that this poor treatment was causing him to reconsider further substantial donations.
The internal disputes have been met with satisfaction by Reform UK, a rival party that has warned Restore Britain risks splitting the vote. A Reform UK source suggested that Lowe's stance aligns more with the Conservative Party, stating, "Rupert is a Tory to his core." This sentiment echoes Nigel Farage's long-standing criticism of multiculturalism, which he has argued "isn't working" since at least 2011.
Restore Britain's electoral performance has also faced scrutiny. In its first major outing, the Makerfield by-election, the party secured less than 7% of the vote. While the party celebrated retaining its deposit, this result fell short of internal expectations, with some sources aiming for 15-20% and Lowe himself expressing satisfaction with 10%. The number of votes cast for Restore Britain also reportedly fell below the total achieved by the British National Party in the Makerfield constituency during the 2010 general election.
Restore Britain was approached for comment on these internal conflicts and electoral performance.