Musk says Farage ‘doesn’t have what it takes’ to be Reform UK leader
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Elon Musk has called for Nigel Farage to be replaced as the leader of Reform UK, just weeks after reports surfaced suggesting the multi-billionaire was in talks to donate to the party. In a post on his social media platform X, Musk stated that Farage “doesn’t have what it takes” to lead the party but did not elaborate on his reasoning.
Farage responded to Musk’s comments, suggesting that the disagreement might stem from Musk’s support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Farage made it clear that Musk’s remarks came as a “surprise,” but emphasized that he would “never sell out my principles.”
The exchange unfolded just hours after Farage had praised Musk during an interview on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg program. In that interview, Farage referred to Musk as a “friend” and a “hero” who had made Reform UK “look cool.” Musk, who had been a vocal supporter of Farage and his party, even posting on X in December that Britain “absolutely” needs Reform UK, seemed to have a different view now, especially regarding Robinson.
Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court after breaching an injunction. He had been involved in a high-profile legal case in 2021, where he lost a libel lawsuit. Musk’s recent comments about Robinson sparked a rift between him and Farage. On Sunday, Farage posted on X, responding to Musk’s remark, saying, “Elon is a remarkable individual but on this I am afraid I disagree.” Farage made it clear that he still believed Robinson was not a good fit for Reform UK and stood by his principles.
Minutes after Farage’s statement, Musk posted again on X, demanding, “Free Tommy Robinson now.” Musk’s tweet underscored the growing tension between the two figures. In the BBC interview, Farage acknowledged that while he admired Musk, it didn’t mean he agreed with every statement the tech mogul made. He also mentioned that he planned to have a conversation with Musk about a range of issues, including Robinson, at an upcoming event for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Farage, who has maintained close ties with Trump, had been invited to meet with Musk at Mar-a-Lago in December. Farage, along with Reform UK’s new party treasurer Nick Candy, met Musk for an hour-long meeting to discuss the possibility of Musk making a donation to the party. Speculation had even circulated that Musk might be willing to become a UK citizen in order to make a substantial £80.5 million ($100 million) donation to Reform UK. However, Farage later dismissed such rumors as “for the birds,” and Musk’s father suggested that the donation might not be imminent.
Since meeting Farage, Musk has expressed increasing interest in UK politics, particularly in criticizing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Musk has also amplified calls from Reform UK and the Conservative Party for a national inquiry into grooming gangs. This push followed the government’s rejection of a request for such an inquiry into historical cases of sexual abuse in Oldham. Instead, the government asked Oldham Council to lead the inquiry, a decision that Musk criticized, accusing Starmer of failing to properly prosecute “rape gangs” while serving as director of public prosecutions.
Musk also made a controversial statement about Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, calling her a “rape genocide apologist” and saying she “deserves to be in prison.” These harsh comments were addressed by Farage, who acknowledged that Musk had used “very tough terms” but stated that “free speech was back” on X under Musk’s ownership.
The criticism surrounding grooming gangs has been a contentious issue in the UK for several years. An independent inquiry by Greater Manchester Combined Authority in 2022 revealed that vulnerable children in Oldham were exposed to sexual exploitation due to “serious failings” by both the police and local authorities. Despite calls for a national inquiry, the government insisted that Oldham Council should handle the investigation.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips responded, pointing to an ongoing inquiry by the local authorities and the 2022 Child Sexual Abuse Inquiry, which had already investigated cases related to grooming gangs in various towns, including Rotherham and Rochdale.
In response to Musk’s criticisms, Health Secretary Wes Streeting described Musk’s attack on Phillips as a “disgraceful smear” and stressed that both Phillips and Starmer had worked hard to bring rapists, wife-beaters, and paedophiles to justice.
While Musk continues to take a vocal role in UK politics, the rift with Farage has raised questions about the future of their relationship. Whether Musk’s influence will shape Reform UK’s direction or whether Farage will continue to lead the party remains to be seen, especially with tensions running high over key political issues.
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