Billionaire Elon Musk has called for Nigel Farage to be replaced as leader of Reform UK, the political party founded by Farage. Taking to his social media site X, Musk stated that Farage “doesn’t have what it takes” to lead the party, but did not give a reason why. This comes after reports that Musk was in talks to donate to the party.
Farage suggested that Musk’s comment was because of a disagreement over the tech entrepreneur’s support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court. Farage reaffirmed his stance that Robinson is not right for Reform UK and that he would “never sell out my principles”.
Farage had previously called Musk a “friend” in a recent interview on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg program, where he described Musk as a “hero” who makes the party “look cool”. Farage, who founded Reform UK in 2018, has maintained close ties to President-elect Donald Trump, who has given Musk a role in his administration.
Since his meeting with Farage in December 2024, Musk has taken an increased interest in UK politics, focusing on criticism of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. He has spent the week amplifying calls by Reform UK and the Conservative Party for a national inquiry into grooming gangs.
The government recently turned down a request to conduct an inquiry into historical cases of sexual abuse in Oldham, instead asking Oldham Council to set up its own. In response, Musk accused Sir Keir of failing to properly prosecute “rape gangs” while he was director of public prosecutions
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