Elon Musk has suggested that Nigel Farage should step down as the leader of Reform UK, just weeks after reports emerged about Musk considering a donation to the party.
On his social media platform, X, Musk stated that Farage “doesn’t have what it takes” to lead the party, though he did not provide further details to clarify his comments.
Farage implied that Musk’s statement might stem from a disagreement regarding Musk’s support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Farage responded, expressing surprise at Musk’s remark and reaffirming his commitment to his principles.
Musk’s comment came shortly after Farage described him as a “friend” in a BBC interview with Laura Kuenssberg. In the same interview, Farage had praised Musk as a “hero” and emphasized that Musk’s support helped make Reform UK “look cool.” However, Farage clarified that agreeing with Musk on every statement was not necessary, particularly regarding Robinson.
The tension between the two stems from Musk’s vocal support of Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Robinson is serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court after admitting to breaching an injunction related to a 2021 libel case. In a post responding to Musk’s comment, Farage reiterated his stance that Robinson was not suitable for Reform UK and asserted, “I never sell out my principles.”
Minutes later, Musk posted a message on X calling for Robinson’s release, stating, “Free Tommy Robinson now.”
In December, Farage and Reform UK’s new treasurer, Nick Candy, met with Musk at Mar-a-Lago for a one-hour discussion, where they explored the possibility of a donation to the party. Although speculation about a potential $100 million donation circulated, it was later dismissed by Farage as exaggerated. As a US citizen, Musk cannot directly donate to UK political causes, but he could contribute through the British arm of his company X.
Musk’s interest in UK politics deepened after the meeting, particularly regarding criticism of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Musk amplified calls for a national inquiry into grooming gangs, an issue that gained attention after the UK government rejected a request to investigate historical sexual abuse cases in Oldham. Musk criticized Starmer for allegedly failing to prosecute grooming gangs during his tenure as director of public prosecutions and accused Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips of being a “rape genocide apologist.”
Farage defended Musk’s use of strong language, stating that “free speech was back” on X under Musk’s leadership. Meanwhile, Health Secretary Wes Streeting condemned Musk’s criticism of Phillips, calling it a “disgraceful smear” and praising the work of Starmer and Phillips in addressing issues of sexual abuse and violent crime.
In response to concerns about grooming gangs, the government has resisted calls for a national inquiry, instead directing Oldham Council to conduct its own investigation. This decision follows a previous rejection of a similar request in 2022.
