Elon Musk has called for Nigel Farage to step down as leader of Reform UK, suggesting the party needs a new leader to move forward.
Musk made his comments after Farage had spent days praising him, calling the billionaire a “hero” and claiming he made the party “look cool.”
Musk, however, took to social media platform X, saying, “The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage doesn’t have what it takes.” This surprising move came despite Musk being expected to donate millions to Reform UK to support the party in the upcoming general election.
The two men had previously met with Reform UK’s treasurer, Nick Candy, at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago mansion to discuss the party’s future. However, just after Farage’s praise, Musk seemingly changed his stance on the matter.
Farage, clearly taken aback, responded to Musk on X, saying: “Well, this is a surprise! Elon is a remarkable individual, but on this I am afraid I disagree. My view remains that Tommy Robinson is not right for Reform and I never sell out my principles.”
The rift between Musk and Farage seems to stem from Farage’s refusal to support Musk’s call for the release of jailed political activist Tommy Robinson. Robinson, serving an 18-month sentence for contempt of court, is not seen by Farage as a figure the party should focus on as it aims to win the next election.
Despite this disagreement, Farage continued to defend Musk’s comments about UK politicians, including Labour’s Jess Phillips and Sir Keir Starmer. Musk had suggested that Phillips “deserves to be in prison” and attacked Starmer over his record as Director of Public Prosecutions, claiming he failed to bring “rape gangs” to justice.
Regarding X, Farage defended Musk’s use of “tough terms” and praised him for creating a platform for free speech. “This man happens to be the richest man in the world, but equally, the fact that he’s bought Twitter now actually gives us a place where we can have proper open debate,” Farage said.
Critics, such as pollster Luke Tryl, argued that without Farage, Reform UK would struggle to gain traction in the election, adding that “Musk has no handle on UK politics.”
