Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleNigel Farage has criticised Elon Musk for supporting Restore UK, a rival party, in the upcoming Makerfield by-election. Farage warned that Musk's intervention, through posts on X backing Rupert Lowe's Restore UK, could 'split the right-wing vote'. Restore UK, founded by Rupert Lowe after his suspension from Reform UK, has fielded a candidate in Makerfield, potentially hindering Reform UK's chances. A Survation opinion poll indicates a tight race, with Labour's Andy Burnham narrowly leading Reform UK's Robert Kenyon, and Restore UK polling at seven per cent. Farage suggested that Labour's Andy Burnham would be 'delighted' by Musk's actions, while Lowe asserted that 'millions of Brits' support Restore UK. In fullFarage hits out at Elon Musk over support for Reform rival Restore UK in Makerfield byelectionThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

The first poll of the Makerfield by-election put Andy Burnham on 43 per cent support, with Nigel Farage's party close behind on 40 per cent.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester is seeking to prove he can beat Nigel Farage’s party in the crucial contest

The tech tycoon backed the party on his social media platform X with the message 'Restore Britain' in response to a post by the outfit's leader.

Nigel Farage leader warned the Tesla boss will ‘split the right’ after he backed Rupert Lowe’s party

Restore Britain, set up by the former Reform MP Rupert Lowe, appears to be taking some support from Nigel Farage

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Labour's Andy Burnham leads in early survey ahead of Makerfield by-election, as Reform rival Restore Britain picks up support

Polls suggest Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain could pave the way for the Mayor of Greater Manchester to claim victory in next month's crunch Makerfield by-election.