On the evening of February 13, 2026, Independent MP Rupert Lowe stepped onto the national stage with the formal launch of his new political party, Restore Britain. The announcement, made via a post on X (formerly Twitter), quickly drew attention, racking up an impressive 2.4 million views within hours. Lowe’s declaration was succinct—just thirteen words—but the message was clear: "I am today launching Restore Britain as a national political party. Join us."
Accompanying the post was a seven-minute video in which Lowe outlined his vision for the party and the country. He didn’t mince words, warning supporters that "what is necessary will be incredibly painful." This tone, both urgent and uncompromising, set the stage for a political venture that promises to shake up the status quo, particularly in the wake of Lowe’s contentious departure from Reform UK.
Restore Britain, initially conceived as a political movement after Lowe’s fractious exit from Reform UK in 2025, has now been recast as a full-fledged national party. According to The Independent, the party is structured as an umbrella organization, aiming to partner with locally based political groups across the United Kingdom. For Lowe himself, this means contesting the Great Yarmouth constituency under the banner of the local party Great Yarmouth First, now formally aligned with Restore Britain.
In his launch video, Lowe took direct aim at his former party, Reform UK, and its leader, Nigel Farage. "Restore Britain will not include failed ministers or those tainted by failures of the past," he asserted, seeking to draw a sharp contrast between his new venture and his previous political affiliations. The party’s platform, as outlined by Lowe, is unapologetically focused on immigration: "The first priority of our party is to control who comes to our country—and more importantly, who stays in our country," he said. He went on to promise not only to halt mass migration but to reverse it, pledging that "every single illegal migrant will be detained and deported."
The party’s agenda doesn’t stop at immigration. Lowe also highlighted plans for benefit reform, business creation, tackling high energy bills, streamlining regulation, reforming tax policy, and upholding Christian values. This broad platform, he suggested, is designed to appeal to voters who feel left behind or disillusioned by mainstream parties.
But the launch of Restore Britain comes with a complicated backstory. As reported by BBC and The Independent, Lowe’s departure from Reform UK was anything but smooth. In March 2025, he was suspended by Reform UK following allegations that he had threatened violence towards party chairman Zia Yusuf. Scotland Yard confirmed that a complaint of "verbal threats" related to an alleged incident in December 2024 was under assessment at the time. Reform UK also claimed to have received evidence of "serious bullying" and "derogatory" remarks about women in Lowe’s offices, with two staffers making formal allegations.
Lowe has consistently denied all accusations, describing the police complaint as "vexatious" and suggesting it was submitted immediately after he "asked reasonable questions of Reform’s leadership." In leaked private messages, Nigel Farage reportedly called Lowe’s behavior "disgusting" and "contemptible," and accused him of "damaging the party just before elections." Lowe, for his part, fired back, declaring that "Nigel Farage must never become prime minister." According to the BBC, Reform UK appointed a King’s Counsel to investigate the bullying complaints made by the two women.
The fallout from these events appears to have shaped Lowe’s approach to his new party. In his launch address, he was explicit about distancing Restore Britain from what he sees as the failures and scandals of other parties. He also made it clear that the party’s leadership would be held to high standards, both in terms of policy and personal conduct.
One intriguing aspect of Restore Britain’s formation is the involvement of senior Conservative figures Susan Hall and Sir Gavin Williamson. Both had previously served in advisory roles when Restore Britain was still a movement, but it remains unclear whether they will continue in any capacity now that the group has become a formal political party. Both have reportedly been contacted for comment, but no public statements have been made regarding their future involvement.
The party’s umbrella structure, partnering with local political groups, is a notable departure from the traditional top-down approach of many UK parties. As The Express outlined, this model allows Restore Britain to support a variety of local initiatives while maintaining a unified national identity. For Lowe, this means he can stand as the candidate for Great Yarmouth under the local party Great Yarmouth First, which is now a partner of Restore Britain.
Lowe’s messaging also taps into broader currents of political discontent. By emphasizing issues like immigration, benefit reform, and the cost of living, he is clearly aiming to attract voters who feel that the mainstream parties have failed to address their concerns. His invocation of Christian values adds another layer, appealing to those who believe that traditional moral frameworks are being eroded in contemporary Britain.
Yet, for all its bold rhetoric and ambitious plans, Restore Britain faces significant challenges. The unresolved allegations from Lowe’s time at Reform UK could prove a lingering distraction, especially if new details emerge or if the King’s Counsel investigation leads to further revelations. The party’s hardline stance on immigration and its promise to "reverse" mass migration are likely to be divisive, attracting both fervent supporters and vocal critics.
Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding the involvement of high-profile Conservative figures like Hall and Williamson raises questions about the party’s ability to build broad-based credibility. Their advisory roles lent Restore Britain a measure of establishment legitimacy during its movement phase, but their silence since the party’s formal launch leaves a conspicuous gap.
Despite these hurdles, Lowe’s rapid rise in visibility—evident in the viral reaction to his announcement—suggests there is an appetite for new political voices, particularly those willing to challenge the consensus on issues like immigration and national identity. Whether Restore Britain can translate this initial burst of attention into lasting political influence remains to be seen.
For now, Rupert Lowe’s new party stands as a testament to the turbulent, ever-evolving landscape of British politics. With a platform built on reversal and restoration, and a leader unafraid of controversy, Restore Britain is poised to test the boundaries of what’s possible for outsider movements in the years ahead.