Elon Musk calls for Nigel Farage to be replaced as Reform UK leader
Elon Musk has called for Nigel Farage to be replaced as leader of the UK Reform Party, just weeks after reports emerged that the billionaire was in talks to donate to the party Negotiate.
Musk said in a post on his social media site X that Farage was “not qualified” to lead the party, but did not explain his reasoning.
Farage said this was due to divisions over Musk’s support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
He said Musk’s comments were “surprising” but that he would “never sell out my principles.”
The tech entrepreneur’s comments came hours after Farage described Musk as a “friend” in an interview. BBC Sunday Laura Kuenssberg program.
Musk has been a vocal supporter of calls by the Reform and Conservative parties for a national inquiry into grooming rings.
But this week, Musk split his support for Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, who is currently serving an 18-month sentence for contempt of court.
exist A social media post on Sunday echoed Musk’s comments, Farage said: “Elon is a great man, but on this I’m afraid I disagree.”
“My view remains that Tommy Robinson is not fit for reform and I have never betrayed my principles.”
In an interview aired earlier on Sunday, Farage told the BBC that Musk “supports me politically and supports reform, but that doesn’t mean I have to agree with every statement he makes on X”.
Farage said he plans to “have conversations with (Musk) about a variety of things,” including Robinson, at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Farage has maintained close ties with Trump, who has given Musk a role in his administration.
Farage founded the British Reform Party in 2018, later known as the Brexit Party, and returned as leader of the party, and was elected as a member of Parliament in 2024.
