Origins
Following his suspension from Reform UK in March 2025, Rupert Lowe foundedRestore Britain on 30 June 2025, initially as a political pressure group and movement rather than a registered political party.
The organisation was launched amid Lowe's dispute with Reform UK leadership, including then-party chairman Zia Yusuf. Lowe had been suspended from the party amid allegations of threatening behaviour, which he has contested.
Great Yarmouth First
Alongside Restore Britain, Lowe established Great Yarmouth First on 1 December 2025, a local political party focused on his constituency. This party contested local council elections, with five councillors standing at the Norfolk county council elections under its banner.
Becoming a National Party
On 13 February 2026, Lowe formally converted Restore Britain from a pressure group into a registered national political party. The launch event was held at a theatre on Great Yarmouth's Britannia Pier.
At the launch, Lowe reportedly announced ambitious policy positions, including pledges on immigration with the statement "millions will have to go" regarding deportation policies.
Party Timeline
- March 2025: Lowe suspended from Reform UK
- 30 June 2025: Restore Britain founded as pressure group
- 1 December 2025: Great Yarmouth First established
- 13 February 2026: Restore Britain registered as national party
Leadership
Rupert Lowe serves as the Leader of Restore Britain and Chairman of Great Yarmouth First. As the only current MP associated with the movement, he provides the party with parliamentary representation.
Political Positioning
Restore Britain positions itself to the right of mainstream British politics, and has been described by some media outlets as appealing to the far-right. Key policy areas include:
- Strict immigration controls and deportation policies
- Euroscepticism and opposition to EU regulations
- Traditional conservative social values
- Support for British business and agriculture
Relationship with Reform UK
Restore Britain emerged from Lowe's acrimonious departure from Nigel Farage's Reform UK. While Lowe was initially elected as a Reform UK MP, he now positions his new party as an alternative for voters who feel Reform has not gone far enough or has lost its way.
The party could potentially compete with Reform UK for similar voter demographics, particularly in areas like Great Yarmouth where Lowe has an established profile.
Electoral Prospects
As a newly registered party, Restore Britain's electoral prospects remain uncertain. The party benefits from having a sitting MP (Lowe himself) but faces the challenge of building a national organisation and candidate base.
Great Yarmouth First provides a local testing ground for the movement's ideas and organisation before any potential national expansion.
Current Status
Restore Britain is a registered political party with Rupert Lowe as its leader. The party operates alongside Great Yarmouth First at the local level. Lowe continues to serve as the Independent MP for Great Yarmouth in the House of Commons.
Parliamentary Watchdog Investigation
In February 2026, Lowe lost a legal bid to block an investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. This followed concerns raised about his conduct and was reported as part of the broader scrutiny facing the MP since his departure from Reform UK.