The BBC has been hit by a fresh bias row after its Question Time by-election special in Makerfield went ahead without Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party on the panel.
The programme was organised ahead of the Makerfield by-election, with representatives from several political parties invited to take part in the debate. But Restore Britain was not included, prompting an angry reaction from Lowe and his supporters.
Lowe accused the BBC of deliberately shutting his party out of the conversation, arguing that Restore Britain should have been given a platform because it is campaigning in the contest and attracting attention from voters.
The BBC defended its decision, saying invitations were based on the parties’ past and current electoral support. According to the broadcaster, the parties chosen for the panel reflected the political balance it believed was appropriate for the debate.
But critics were not convinced. Supporters of Restore Britain quickly took to social media, accusing the corporation of silencing a growing political movement. Many argued that voters in Makerfield should have been allowed to hear from every serious contender before making their choice at the ballot box.
The row has added extra drama to an already tense by-election campaign. Makerfield is being closely watched because the contest could offer clues about shifting political loyalties, especially among voters frustrated with the main parties.
For Restore Britain, the controversy may have handed the party exactly what it wanted: national attention. Even without a seat on the Question Time panel, the party has become part of the wider debate, with online supporters using the row to attack the BBC’s impartiality.
However, opponents say the BBC was right to apply selection rules and should not be forced to give airtime to every party standing in a by-election. They argue that panel space is limited and must be based on measurable electoral support rather than online noise.
The dispute has also reignited a bigger argument over BBC impartiality, political access and whether smaller parties are treated fairly by major broadcasters.
As polling day approaches, the question now is whether this row will damage the BBC — or give Restore Britain a late campaign boost.
