Tech billionaire Elon Musk has thrown his support behind a fringe right-wing party in the United Kingdom, a move that risks splitting the conservative vote and potentially handing a victory to the Labour government in an upcoming byelection. The endorsement has sparked warnings from Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage, who said that Musk's actions could inadvertently strengthen Prime Minister Kier Starmer's grip on power.
Close Race in Makerfield
Polls indicate a tight contest between Labour candidate and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Reform's Robert Kenyon, a plumber who finished second in the Makerfield constituency during the 2024 general election. The byelection, scheduled for June 18, was triggered after the sitting MP resigned, reportedly to give Burnham an opportunity to win the seat and challenge Starmer's leadership. If Burnham succeeds, he is widely expected to mount a challenge against the prime minister, whose political standing has become increasingly precarious.
Musk's Tweets and the Rise of Restore Britain
On Sunday, Musk tweeted "Restore Britain" alongside a post featuring Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe, the sole parliamentary representative of the newly formed Restore Britain party. In subsequent tweets, Musk amplified Lowe's messages, commenting "Only Restore Britain can save Britain." Restore Britain split from Reform UK in February, following internal disagreements. Musk, who previously described Farage as "weak, runny sauce," has consistently backed Lowe's party since its formation.
Farage, speaking to London's Telegraph newspaper, expressed concern over Musk's involvement. "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," Farage said. He added that Burnham would be "delighted" by the development.
Political Implications
Restore Britain has positioned itself to the right of Reform UK, particularly on immigration. The party's website calls for deporting legal foreign-born residents who cannot speak English, live in social housing, or claim government benefits. As Farage attempts to moderate his brand of conservative populism to attract a broader electorate, Restore Britain seeks to outflank him from the right.
A recent poll by More in Common found that Reform UK leads with 29 percent support nationally, while Labour trails at 22 percent. However, the same poll indicated that Labour's support would jump by eight percentage points if Burnham were to lead the party. Pollster Luke Tryl noted that Restore Britain's challenge could hand victory to Labour in Makerfield. "In general we are noticing them being raised more in focus groups, and Lowe in particular among more right-leaning participants. It tends to be people who are more engaged so the test I think is are they just an online phenomenon or something deeper and Makerfield might show that," Tryl told the Guardian.
Burnham, launching his campaign last Friday, declared, "A vote for me in this byelection campaign is a vote to change Labour." The outcome of the Makerfield byelection could have significant repercussions for both the Labour Party and the broader right-wing political landscape in the UK.
