In a dramatic turn of events, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has publicly criticized Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, suggesting the party needs a fresh face at its helm. Musk, reportedly considering a $100 million donation to the party, stated that Farage “does not have what it takes” to lead the political group effectively. The comments have sparked a row between the billionaire and the former Brexit Party leader, centered around far-right activist Tommy Robinson and the future of Reform UK.
Musk’s Criticism and a Potential Successor
Musk’s statement came via his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), where he called for Farage’s replacement and hinted at a potential successor, Rupert Lowe, a Reform UK MP and former Southampton FC chairman. “I have not met Rupert Lowe, but his statements online that I have read so far make a lot of sense,” Musk wrote, fueling speculation about a leadership shake-up within the party.
Farage Hits Back
Farage, who founded Reform UK and is credited with its rising popularity, responded swiftly. “Elon is a remarkable individual, but on this I am afraid I disagree,” Farage said. He emphasized his principles, stating, “Tommy Robinson is not right for Reform, and I never sell out my principles.”
Farage’s refusal to align with Musk on the issue of releasing Tommy Robinson, who is serving an 18-month sentence for contempt of court, appears to have driven a wedge between the two. Musk’s endorsement of Robinson as a figure who “fought against grooming gangs” was dismissed by Farage, who argued that Reform UK must focus on winning the next general election, not aligning with divisive figures.
A Fallout Over Tommy Robinson
The fallout stems from Farage’s rejection of Musk’s calls to release Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Musk’s public endorsement of Robinson as a hero sparked backlash, with Farage clarifying that Robinson’s imprisonment was due to contempt of court, not activism.
Farage reportedly praised Musk just hours before the billionaire’s criticism, calling him a “hero figure, especially for the youth.” However, the public spat has raised questions about Musk’s understanding of UK politics. A Washington insider described Musk’s actions as a “tantrum” over Farage’s pushback.
The Role of Reform UK and Farage’s Leadership
Farage’s leadership has been pivotal to Reform UK’s recent momentum. Pollster Luke Tryl noted that without Farage, the party might have faded into obscurity. “Like him or not, he has an ability to connect with people most politicians can’t reach,” Tryl said.
Farage’s former aide, Raheem Kassam, was less diplomatic in his reaction to Musk’s comments, labeling the billionaire a “moron” for undermining the party’s leader.
Musk’s Broader Controversies
The spat with Farage is just one of Musk’s recent controversies. On X, Musk accused Home Office minister Jess Phillips of deserving imprisonment for denying a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham. He also attacked Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, claiming he failed to prosecute “rape gangs” during his tenure as director of public prosecutions.
Farage, despite his disagreement with Musk over Robinson, defended the billionaire’s incendiary comments, emphasizing the value of free speech on X. “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 a proper open debate about many things,” Farage said during a BBC interview.
A Divisive Debate
While Musk’s ownership of X has reignited debates about free speech, critics, including Labour’s Wes Streeting, have called Musk’s remarks “disgraceful smears” against public figures committed to tackling abuse.
The row between Musk and Farage underscores the challenges facing Reform UK as it strives to build credibility ahead of the next general election. Whether Musk’s critique will lead to leadership changes or further division within the party remains to be seen. For now, the billionaire’s influence looms large over Reform UK, adding another layer of complexity to its political trajectory.