Charlie Downes, chief spokesman for Elon Musk’s “Restore Britain” party in the United Kingdom, has labeled his party an “enemy” of Trump-style populism, criticizing both the 47th President and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
The statement comes amid Restore Britain’s polling at 7% in the Makerfield by-election scheduled for June 18. The outcome of this special election could determine who becomes the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and how long Labour Party leadership will govern.
Downes stated: “Restore Britain is the enemy of populism. Yes. 2010s populism, as embodied in the figure of Trump and his friends like Farage, has been utterly defeated as a radical force. It now belongs to the establishment and has no teeth.” The remarks were made on May 25, 2026.
Analysts note that Restore Britain’s low polling figures could prove significant: similar to Elon Musk’s aborted “America Party” initiative, the party might split the vote in Makerfield election just enough to aid Labour candidate Andy Burnham in his prime ministerial bid.
The party emerged after former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe was expelled from Reform UK following an attempted internal coup against Farage. The coup received support from Musk, who remains a controversial figure in Trumpworld due to the failure of his DOGE project and demands for increased H1B migration to the United States. Musk’s backing of Lowe followed a falling out with Farage, whom Musk had previously met at Mar a Lago. After Farage refused Musk’s political demands, Musk began criticizing Reform UK leader, an action welcomed by the UK political establishment.
