Rupert Lowe's Great Yarmouth First was told its application was rejected last month because it was incomplete.

The decision comes with just four months to go before the group hopes to stand its first candidates at May's Norfolk County Council elections.

It has forced Great Yarmouth First to reapply to the Electoral Commission, which is currently considering the fresh application.

MP for Great Yarmouth Rupert Lowe speaking on stage at the Britannia Pier theatre at the launch of Great Yarmouth First (Image: Nelson Walker)

Restore Britain, the national political party set up by Rupert Lowe, is also waiting to have its application reviewed.

A spokesman for Mr Lowe said they were confident the second Great Yarmouth First application will be approved and said the technical issues were being "ironed out".

Other political parties to have applications rejected in January include the UK Independence Party's (UKIP) bid to register a new emblem.

The design drew criticism due to its similarity to the Iron Cross symbol, which was adopted by the German Empire and later Nazi Germany.

It was rejected by the Electoral Commission as it was deemed too offensive but the party has submitted a fresh application with a slightly altered emblem.

Local elections in May will go ahead this year following a shock U-turn by Labour ministers (Image: Newsquest)

Great Yarmouth First has been announcing its candidates for the upcoming May elections in recent weeks, following the official launch of the party on February 13.

The polls were due to be cancelled so councils could prioritise local government reform but this month, the government made a surprise U-turn and announced they will be held.

It followed new legal advice being given to Steve Reed, local government secretary, ahead of a High Court challenge over the postponement by Reform.

Great Yarmouth First intends to stand candidates in nine Norfolk divisions covering the wider Great Yarmouth area.

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