Nigel Farage is encountering a challenging situation as Reform faces off against a more extreme right-wing party, backed by Elon Musk. Restore Britain, led by wealthy Rupert Lowe, is gaining traction by advocating for drastic measures such as reversing mass immigration and housing asylum seekers in tents.

Lowe, a former Reform MP for Great Yarmouth, has clashed with his former party due to allegations of misconduct. Restore Britain’s radical agenda includes mass deportations, abolishing the asylum system, inheritance tax, foreign aid, and diverting funds from diversity programs to support the armed forces.

Additionally, their policies involve strengthening Christian teachings, banning the burqa, and proposing a referendum on reinstating the death penalty. Despite being a relatively small entity without a strong grassroots presence, Restore poses a potential challenge to Farage’s Reform in the upcoming Makerfield by-election.

The competition intensifies as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham emerges as a key opponent to Reform in the election. Polls indicate a tight race, with Labour holding a slim lead over Farage’s party, while Restore Britain garners a notable 7% of support.

Concerned by these developments, Farage has labeled the election as a “two-horse race” to dissuade support for Restore. Polling expert Sir John Curtice suggests that Restore’s rise could impact Reform’s standing, potentially leading to significant losses in seats.

The influence of Elon Musk, a supporter of Restore, coupled with Lowe’s substantial social media following, has bolstered the party’s online reach. Observers note that Restore’s emergence has created a dilemma for Reform, risking the loss of crucial votes and seats if not addressed effectively.

The unexpected surge of Restore in the Makerfield constituency has caught many by surprise, with activists reporting a growing interest in the party during local elections. Despite Reform’s dismissal of Restore’s impact, the influx of campaigners from the latter raises concerns about potential outcomes in the election.

In a closely contested seat, the outcome may hinge on the presence and influence of Rupert Lowe’s Restore, underscoring the significance of the upcoming election for Farage’s Reform party.