Rupert Lowe launches Restore Britain as national party from Great Yarmouth
Rupert Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth who was elected as a member of a different party in July 2024 and now sits as an independent, formally unveiled Restore Britain as a national political party on Friday night (ET). Speaking to a large crowd in his Norfolk constituency, Lowe said the new organisation will act as an umbrella for locally based political groups and signalled his intention to stand again locally with the partner group Great Yarmouth First.
From movement to party: structure and local focus
Restore Britain began life as a political movement after Lowe was suspended from his former party in March. He has now taken the step of registering it as a national party, describing Restore Britain as the umbrella body that will bring together locally rooted initiatives. Lowe presented Great Yarmouth First as a pilot project for the national model and outlined priorities including tighter controls on illegal immigration and the asylum system, increased domestic energy production and support for farming.
At the launch event in the town’s theatre, Lowe introduced a slate of local candidates and emphasised a grassroots approach. He framed Restore Britain as a vehicle for communities who feel alienated from mainstream politics, arguing there is room on the right of the political spectrum for a party that stresses independence of thought and close links to local concerns.
Political fallout and notable departures
Lowe was suspended from his former party following allegations he made threats against the party chairman; the Crown Prosecution Service later concluded there was insufficient evidence to bring charges. He has denied the allegations and described the dispute as a concerted smear. The split left him sitting as an independent MP for Great Yarmouth and prompted a reorganisation of his political activity around the Restore Britain banner.
The move from movement to party prompted changes among figures who had been involved in an advisory role. Sir Gavin Williamson indicated he would end his participation as Restore Britain becomes a formal political organisation. The Conservative politician Susan Hall is also understood to be stepping away from the group’s advisory board. Those departures mark a recalibration of support as Lowe seeks to broaden appeal beyond his immediate constituency.
Political commentators note Lowe’s reputation as a maverick MP who does not always operate in a collegiate fashion. Regional political editor Andrew Sinclair said Lowe believes there is a significant disconnect between mainstream politicians and many voters, pointing to Great Yarmouth as an example and suggesting private polling has shown favourable local support for Lowe since he left his former party. That local backing underpins his plan to relaunch nationally while maintaining close ties to area-based partners.
What's next for Lowe and Restore Britain
Restore Britain will aim to recruit partner organisations across the country and develop a national platform built on locally led campaigns. Lowe has signalled he intends to contest Great Yarmouth again under the Great Yarmouth First banner in any future general election, using the local party as a testing ground for the broader Restore Britain project.
Whether Restore Britain will gain traction beyond its initial heartlands remains uncertain. The party’s launch highlights continuing fragmentation on the political right and underscores the capacity for locally focused movements to attempt national scale-up. For now, Lowe will concentrate on consolidating local support in Norfolk and building a roster of partner groups prepared to align with the new party’s priorities.
