Rupert Lowe has sparked a debate over public art after taking aim at the newly unveiled sculpture in Trafalgar Square, describing the work as “filth” and suggesting that removing it could become part of Restore Britain’s London mayoral campaign.

The Restore Britain leader took to X to share an image of Lady in Blue, the latest artwork to occupy the Fourth Plinth, alongside a strongly worded message about the sculpture.

Lowe wrote:

"I am tempted to run Restore Britain's entire London mayor campaign on tearing this filth down."

His comments have since prompted a mixed reaction online, with some people agreeing that they do not like the artwork, while others have accused him of objecting to the sculpture because it depicts a Black woman. One commenter responded:

“Of course he would. It's a statue of a black woman by a black woman.”

Another defended the sculpture and dismissed Lowe’s criticism, writing:

“It's just a statue of a woman. If it had been painted any other colour, there wouldn't be a problem. Weirdo.”

However, not everyone who disliked Lowe’s comments necessarily liked the sculpture itself. One person said:

“To be fair, i don't like the statue either and i'm a black woman who enjoys art.”

The sculpture at the centre of the controversy is called Lady in Blue, created by New York-based artist Tschabalala Self. It was unveiled on September 10, 2026, becoming the 16th commission to occupy Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth since the programme began.

Made from bronze, the sculpture depicts a Black woman captured mid-stride, wearing a vibrant blue outfit, platform shoes and jewellery. The work has been treated with a lapis lazuli blue finish, referencing the rich blue pigment that has been used in art for centuries.

Rather than depicting a historical figure or commemorating a particular individual, Self designed Lady in Blue as a contemporary “everywoman”, representing a young, metropolitan woman who could be one of the many people living in or visiting London today.

The official description of the work says it pays homage to a young metropolitan woman of colour, with Self wanting to bring a contemporary figure to a space that has traditionally been associated with monuments and historic figures.

Self has explained that the woman represented by the sculpture is not intended to be an idol or a historical figurehead, but someone moving forward with ambition, purpose and optimism.

The artist, who was born in Harlem in New York in 1990, is known for figurative work that explores the human body, identity and everyday experiences. Her practice has included painting, collage, textiles and sculpture, often using exaggerated forms and vivid colours to portray Black figures.

London also holds particular significance in Self’s career. She has previously spoken about the city playing an important role in her artistic development, including hosting her first institutional exhibition and the first presentation of one of her major painting series.

Lady in Blue was selected for the Fourth Plinth following a public process involving a shortlist of international artists. The final decision was made by the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group, chaired by Ekow Eshun, after members of the public were also invited to give their views on the shortlisted works.

The reaction to Lady in Blue comes as the Fourth Plinth continues to be one of London’s most recognisable platforms for contemporary public art. The space has become known for displaying works that can provoke discussion and challenge expectations about what belongs in a major historic public setting.

Lowe, meanwhile, has become a prominent figure on the British political right. The 68-year-old was elected as the Conservative-free? Great Yarmouth MP under the Reform UK banner at the 2024 general election, having previously served as a Brexit Party MEP.

He later left Reform UK and established Restore Britain, initially as a political movement before it became a registered political party in 2026. Lowe is now the party’s leader and its only MP.

Before entering politics, Lowe was best known for his business career and his time as chairman of Southampton Football Club. He held the role for much of the period between 1996 and 2006 and returned briefly between 2008 and 2009.

Restore Britain positions itself as a party seeking a major change to the way Britain is governed. Its policies have focused heavily on immigration, policing, national identity, economic reform and opposition to what it describes as “woke ideology”. The party has also called for major restrictions on immigration and deportation measures, while presenting itself as a political alternative to both the established parties and Reform UK.

Lowe's criticism of Lady in Blue therefore comes from a politician who has frequently used social media to express strong views on British culture, national identity and political issues.

His latest post has now brought that approach into the world of public art, with his suggestion of making the sculpture’s removal part of a future London mayoral campaign adding a political dimension to what was otherwise an artistic installation.

For some, the controversy is about whether Lady in Blue is an effective piece of public art, while others see the criticism as part of a wider debate about race, representation and whose stories or experiences should be reflected in prominent public spaces.