Ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe launches new party

A former Reform UK MP, who is now serving as an independent, has launched a new political party.

Rupert Lowe, who represents Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, launched Restore Britain, which he said would be a "national political party", on Friday night.

He initially set up Restore Britain as a "political movement" after he was suspended from Reform UK last March.

It is now expected to act as an umbrella political party, with locally based political parties as partners.

Lowe's suspension by Reform UK came after allegations he made threats of physical violence against then party chairman Zia Yusuf.

The Crown Prosecution Service later said there was insufficient evidence for a "realistic prospect of conviction".

Lowe, a businessman and farmer who used to be chairman of Southampton FC, is expected to stand again for the Great Yarmouth constituency with local party Great Yarmouth First, which will be a partner of Restore Britain.

Senior Conservative figures Susan Hall and Sir Gavin Williamson had been involved in an advisory board for Restore Britain when it was described as a political movement.

Former minister Sir Gavin suggested to the Press Association he would end his involvement with Restore Britain as a result of it becoming a political party.

Hall, the Tory leader in the London Assembly, is also understood to be leaving Restore Britain's board.

The BBC's East of England political editor, Andrew Sinclair, said Lowe had a reputation for being a bit of a "maverick MP".

"He's not very collegiate, which was one reason why he left Reform UK," he said.

"He also believes, more than many, that there is a real disconnect between mainstream politicians and the public - and he points to his Great Yarmouth constituency as proof that he is right.

"There haven't been any elections in the town since he left Reform but anecdotally he seems to have a lot of support. I have been shown private polling by both Labour and his own people which suggest that he would do well if an election was held now.

"He believes that in a crowded marketplace there is room for another party, on the right, which will pride itself on its independence of mind.

"He had hoped his local creation Great Yarmouth First would make its mark in this year's local elections, but they have been cancelled. This new party will aim to pick up national support."

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