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A bitter row has emerged at the heart of the UK’S right-wing movement with Reform UK ruling out striking a deal with Restore Britain until the latter expels a co-founder accused of anti-Semitism. The decision follows a series of inflammatory comments from Charlie Downes, who has sparked outrage after suggesting that Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, had been “bought” by Jewish supporters.
Rupert Lowe, the leader of Restore Britain, had expressed interest in forming an alliance with Farage, with the aim of creating a “patriotic government.” However, Lowe’s conditions for a deal included the deportation of millions of migrants and the exclusion of former Conservatives from a future Cabinet. Reform UK had initially appeared open to negotiations, but the latest comments from Downes have scuppered any prospects of a deal.
Downes caused further controversy when he responded to a post on X by the Reform leader, which stated that he could not be bought. In response, the Restore co-founder shared an image of a Jewish community event, prompting allegations that he was attempting to silence Farage by making anti-Semitic accusations. The row escalated on Saturday when Downes claimed that Israel was committing “genocide” against the Palestinians in Gaza, a position more commonly associated with the far-left.
A spokesman for Reform UK responded swiftly to the controversy, stating that there was no question of any agreement with Restore Britain while Downes remained a part of the party. “There are anti-Semitic and extreme racists at or near the top of the party, and they would have to go first,” the spokesman said. “We’re happy to talk but we can’t do when there are people in the party like Charlie Downes.”
The spokesman highlighted a worrying trend in far-right politics, citing the influence of the Groypers, supporters of US far-right activist Nick Fuentes. “This all started with the Groypers in the US and it’s happening here, putting out this anti-Jewish stuff that is very similar to the far-left,” the spokesman noted. Fuentes has been vocal in his criticism of “organised Jewry,” further highlighting the toxic atmosphere at the heart of the Restore Britain party.
Downes’s own comments about Israel came in response to a Telegraph story that revealed he had claimed Muslims were less British than Christians. He accused the newspaper of running a cover-up for Israel’s alleged genocide against Muslims in Gaza. The controversy has reignited concerns about the far-right’s attitude towards minorities and has further solidified Reform UK’s stance on any potential deal with Restore Britain.