Why Andy Burnham Could Rely on Restore Britain to Secure Victory in Makerfield
Why Andy Burnham could rely on Restore – As the Makerfield by-election draws near, emerging data suggests Labour’s Andy Burnham might find unexpected backing in the form of the hard-right Restore Britain party. The political race, set to conclude on Thursday, has drawn attention to the potential influence of this newly formed group, which is contesting its first parliamentary by-election since its official launch in February. With a small but growing voter base, Restore Britain is positioning itself as a key player in the constituency, offering a distinct alternative to traditional parties.
The Rise of Restore Britain
The Restore Britain party, spearheaded by Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe, has gained traction in recent weeks. Lowe, who left Reform UK last year, has been vocal about his desire to take a more radical stance on immigration and national identity. His decision to establish the party was driven by a desire to distance himself from Reform’s leadership, particularly Nigel Farage, whom he has publicly criticized. This ideological split has created a new political force, now vying for a share of the electorate in Makerfield.
Backed by the influence of Elon Musk, the newly crowned trillionaire, and Lowe’s substantial following on X, the party has positioned itself as a sharper, more uncompromising option compared to Reform UK. Its platform emphasizes strict immigration controls, including the deportation of all legally resident foreigners who cannot speak English or demonstrate integration. The party also advocates for the complete abolition of the asylum system, a policy that aligns with its hardline approach to border management.
Polling Insights
Recent surveys have highlighted a notable shift in voter sentiment. According to a More in Common poll commissioned by the Sunday Times, Restore Britain’s candidate, Rebecca Shepherd, is currently securing 8% of the vote, while Andy Burnham leads with 45% and Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon trails at 40%. Another Opinium poll for the Independent shows Burnham with 46% support, Kenyon at 41%, and Shepherd at 7%. These figures indicate that Restore Britain could be drawing votes away from Reform UK, potentially altering the outcome of the election.
Notably, the party’s presence in Makerfield has been credited with raising the stakes for the contest. The Mail on Sunday reported that Restore Britain’s campaign volunteers had attended a white supremacist event in Portugal just two weeks prior to the vote. This connection has sparked debate about the party’s influence on the electorate, with some suggesting that its policies could attract disillusioned voters who feel underrepresented by mainstream parties.
The party’s strategy appears to be targeting specific concerns about immigration, leveraging its message to appeal to those who prioritize national identity over economic or social policies. While Reform UK has long been associated with conservative immigration policies, Restore Britain aims to push further, offering a more extreme vision that could resonate with certain segments of the population. This has led to speculation about whether the party’s supporters would have otherwise voted for Reform or chosen to remain uncommitted.
Strategic Implications
For Andy Burnham, the potential support from Restore Britain could be a game-changer. As the Mayor of Greater Manchester, he has been a prominent figure in Labour’s leadership race, positioning himself as a strong contender against Keir Starmer. The by-election is being viewed as a critical test of his ability to consolidate support in a traditionally working-class area. If Burnham’s victory is secured, it may signal a broader shift in political allegiance, particularly among voters who feel the Labour Party is not addressing their concerns adequately.
Political analysts have noted that the presence of Restore Britain could disrupt the usual dynamics of the race. Sir John Curtice, a respected election expert, told the Independent that the polls suggest the party could “make the difference between Reform winning or not winning.” This statement underscores the significance of the by-election, not just as a local contest, but as a potential indicator of future trends in British politics. Farage, who has been a dominant figure in the right-wing movement, now faces a challenge from his own party’s more radical wing.
Reform UK has not been entirely dismissive of the threat posed by Restore Britain. The party’s official X account recently acknowledged its right-wing rival for the first time, introducing the slogan “Vote Restore, get Burnham” as a strategic effort to align with voter expectations. This move reflects the growing competition within the Conservative-aligned political spectrum, as parties vie for the same core supporters.
Broader Political Context
The Makerfield by-election has taken on a larger significance, with some calling it one of the most consequential in recent British history. The result could have ripple effects beyond the local level, influencing the national political landscape and the future of the Labour Party. Burnham’s performance here may serve as a precursor to his leadership bid, which he has openly expressed interest in pursuing if he secures a victory.
Meanwhile, the contest has drawn comparisons to past by-elections that have been pivotal in shaping party fortunes. The potential for Restore Britain to gain traction in this area highlights the evolving nature of the right-wing movement in the UK. By targeting issues such as immigration and integration, the party is attempting to carve out a niche in a crowded political field.
However, the extent of Restore Britain’s impact remains uncertain. While the polls suggest a modest lead for Shepherd, it is unclear whether all of her supporters would have otherwise voted for Reform UK. Some analysts argue that the party’s presence could also encourage voters to stay home if they feel neither option adequately represents their views. This uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to the race, with the outcome potentially hinging on how the electorate perceives the competing parties.
As the election day approaches, the focus remains on how each candidate will mobilize their base. For Burnham, a win in Makerfield could bolster his position within the Labour Party and strengthen his credentials as a potential leader. For Reform UK, the race is an opportunity to reaffirm its relevance, while for Restore Britain, it is a chance to establish itself as a serious contender in the parliamentary arena. The next four days will be crucial in determining the direction of this political contest and its wider implications for the UK’s political future.
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