The article focuses on growing tensions between Reform UK and Rupert Lowe’s newly formed Restore Britain party ahead of the Makerfield by-election.Reform figures have accused Lowe of placing personal ambition above political strategy by fielding a candidate in a contest that could divide right-wing voters and help Labour candidate Andy Burnham secure victory.

Polling referenced in the report suggests Burnham leads Reform candidate Robert Kenyon by a narrow margin, while Restore Britain is polling strongly enough to influence the outcome.

Rupert Lowe, formerly a Reform MP and previously associated with Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party, launched Restore Britain after leaving Reform following allegations of bullying and threats, which he denies.A police investigation into those claims was later dropped.Lowe has since criticised Reform’s approach to immigration and claimed his new party is gaining support in Makerfield.Senior Reform figures argued that Restore Britain’s presence could undermine wider conservative and nationalist electoral ambitions.

A Reform source accused Lowe of acting out of “ego and vanity”, while commentator Matt Goodwin warned that dividing “patriotic” voters could hand power to Labour.Think-tank representative Luke Tryl also suggested even a small Restore vote share could significantly damage Reform’s chances in future elections.

The article also notes tensions within Restore Britain itself, including the resignation of a local organiser who criticised the party’s internal management.

Separately, Reform faced scrutiny over historical social media activity linked to candidate Robert Kenyon, although party representatives defended him and said he regretted the posts.Overall, the report portrays increasing fragmentation among right-wing political movements in Britain ahead of an important by-election.