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Elon Musk has called for Nigel Farage to be replaced as leader of Reform UK in a surprise U-turn hours after the British politician refused to support some of the tech billionaire’s recent online claims.
“Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage doesn’t have what it takes,” Musk wrote on his social media site X on Sunday afternoon.
The Tesla boss has previously praised Farage, urging people to “vote reform” and calling the party the UK’s “only hope”.
On Friday, Musk claimed Sir Keir Starmer was “involved in the rape of Britain”, referring to the now-prime minister’s oversight of the UK’s prosecution office when evidence of grooming gangs came to light in the past decade.
Earlier on Sunday, Farage refused to endorse Musk’s language. “I don’t agree with what he’s saying,” he told the BBC.
Musk has called for the release of repeatedly jailed right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and who is jailed for contempt of court. Earlier this week, Farage ruled out Robinson joining the Reform Party, saying “he is not what we need”.
Musk and Farage met at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence last month, when the tech billionaire said he was considering making a large donation to the party.
Pressed on Sunday on whether he thought Musk’s comments about British political figures were acceptable, Farage said: “Just because Musk supports me and supports reform doesn’t mean we have to agree with each other as adults.”
He added: “But I believe in freedom of speech. I think he’s a hero.”
After Musk’s X post, Farage responded by quoting it and writing: “Well, that’s a surprise! Elon is a wonderful person but I’m afraid I disagree. My view remains that Tommy Robinson is not right on reform and I will never sell my principles.”
This is a developing story
