UMVA has learned that Elon Musk’s covert backing of Restore UK has ignited a fierce clash with Nigel Farage, the firebrand leader of Reform.
Farage, seething, told a reporter that Musk appears intent on “splitting the right of British politics as best he can,” and confessed he has “no idea” what the billionaire hopes to achieve by backing a party that hinges on “one man with a social media account.”
A fresh Survation poll of 369 likely voters in the June 18 by‑election paints a razor‑thin picture: Labour’s Andy Burnham leads with 43 % while Reform trails closely at 40 %.
Restore UK’s business‑woman candidate, Rebecca Shepherd, is projected to snatch around seven percent – more than double Labour’s modest lead over Reform – a surge that could reshape the contest.
That possibility has sparked whispers urging Restore UK to step aside, hoping to hand Reform a decisive blow against Burnham’s advance.
Undeterred, Restore UK leader Rupert Lowe slammed Farage’s accusations, vowing his party will stay in the race and fight for every vote.
In a dramatic turn, Musk amplified Lowe’s message on X, then replied to Reform’s Treasury spokesman with a terse “Restore Britain,” while remaining silent on Farage’s barbs.
Later, Musk endorsed a post by right‑wing commentator Ben Habib, warning that the “worst political outcome would be Restore UK stepping aside to allow Reform a victory,” and insisting that even a modest seven‑percent share would send an “earthquake” through Reform’s ambitions.
Farage warned that Burnham would be “delighted” by a split‑right scenario, suggesting Reform might be forced to “correct its ways.”
The poll also placed the Liberal Democrats at four percent, the Greens at three, and the Conservatives at just two, underscoring the fragmented battlefield.
Lowe, who founded Restore UK after a suspension from Reform amid unfounded accusations, refuted any wrongdoing and noted no criminal charges have ever been filed.
In response to Farage’s criticism, Lowe retorted that dismissing Musk’s support as “one man with a social media account” is “so very wrong,” emphasizing the strategic weight behind the billionaire’s involvement.
The by‑election was triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Josh Simons, setting the stage for a high‑stakes showdown that could redefine the right‑hand spectrum of British politics.
