Restore Britain has named Rebecca Shepherd, a 53-year-old local businesswoman, as its candidate for the Makerfield parliamentary by-election. The party said she understood first-hand the pressures facing local businesses and working families across the area.
The announcement makes Restore Britain the first party to confirm a contender in the contest, which was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons. For Rupert Lowe, the move gives his fledgling party a foothold in a seat where the campaign has now begun in earnest, even before the bigger parties have set out their choices.
Lowe created Restore Britain in February after leaving Reform UK, and he cast Shepherd as someone who would put the community first. She would fight for the interests of the community, rather than political careers, he said.
The early nomination also sets the tone for what is likely to become a crowded and unusual race. Alan "Howlin" Laud Hope is already confirmed as a candidate for The Official Monster Raving Loony Party, a reminder that by-elections often draw both serious challengers and attention-seekers once a seat falls open.
Makerfield now becomes the latest test for Lowe's new party, and for a candidate who is being presented as a local voice rather than a party insider. The contest has opened with Restore Britain trying to frame itself as the first mover, and Shepherd as the person it hopes can turn that head start into a credible challenge.
The first question from here is not whether the by-election will happen — it already is — but whether Restore Britain can convert an early announcement into real momentum in a seat vacated by Labour and now drawing interest from outside the main Westminster parties.
