Elon Musk has sensationally turned on Nigel Farage, calling for the Reform UK leader to step down, claiming he “does not have what it takes” to lead the party.
The not entirely unexpected public fallout between the two egos has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, following what appeared to be a burgeoning alliance.
The rift emerged after Musk, the world’s richest man and an outspoken supporter of free speech, delved into British politics over the issue of sex abuse gangs. His controversial remarks accused Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of complicity in such crimes during his tenure as director of public prosecutions, drawing widespread criticism for being inflammatory and unfounded.
Farage, who earlier referred to Musk as his “American friend” during a BBC interview, initially avoided criticising Musk’s remarks about British politics. He emphasised the positive impact of Musk’s endorsement on the Reform UK party, stating it made the party appear “cool” and helped attract younger supporters.
However, cracks in their alliance surfaced when Farage distanced himself from Musk’s vocal support for jailed English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson. Robinson, currently serving an 18-month sentence for contempt of court, has long been a polarising figure in British politics.
At a Reform rally in Leicester, Farage clarified his position, stating, “We’re a political party aiming to win the next general election. [Robinson] is not what we need.” This measured disavowal failed to appease Musk, who took to his platform, X, to publicly call for Farage’s removal as Reform UK leader. “The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage doesn’t have what it takes,” Musk wrote, delivering a significant blow to Farage and his supporters.
Farage, in turn, held his ground, responding on social media, “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.”
This public spat comes just weeks after Farage and Musk reportedly met at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
The meeting, also attended by Reform UK treasurer Nick Candy, was described by Farage as “historic” and was rumored to involve discussions about a potential $100 million donation to the party. However, Farage has since downplayed the likelihood of receiving such a substantial handout, remarking that Musk’s support was valuable not just in monetary terms but in energizing young voters.
The fallout has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum. Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty seized the moment to taunt Farage, suggesting that former Reform MP Rupert Lowe might be poised to replace him. Labour MP Andrew Lewin also weighed in, tweeting, “Ah, Nigel, you should never meet your heroes.”
Farage’s attempts to navigate Musk’s controversial stances have not been easy. On one hand, he has praised Musk as a proponent of free speech, citing Musk’s willingness to challenge the status quo.
On the other hand, he has sought to distance Reform UK from Musk’s inflammatory rhetoric, particularly regarding Tommy Robinson and other far-right figures. Musk’s recent support for Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has further complicated the association.
Musk’s fiery comments have also extended to Labour ministers. He branded Labour MP Jess Phillips a “rape genocide apologist” and referred to her as a “wicked witch.”
Additionally, he accused Prime Minister Sunak of being “complicit in the rape of Britain,” sparking widespread condemnation. Labour’s Andrew Lewin dismissed Musk’s remarks as “ridiculous and ill-informed,” adding to the growing backlash against the billionaire’s foray into British politics.
Despite the drama, Farage has remained steadfast in his support for Musk’s broader impact on Reform UK. During an appearance on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Farage stated, “The fact that Musk supports me and supports Reform doesn’t mean, as two grown-ups, we have to agree with everything the other says.”
The rift raises questions about the future of Farage’s leadership and Reform UK’s trajectory.
While Musk’s endorsement has undoubtedly brought attention and a measure of credibility to the party among younger voters, his polarising comments and actions risk alienating key segments of the electorate. For Farage, the challenge lies in balancing the benefits of Musk’s high-profile support with the need to maintain the party’s broader appeal and credibility.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the unlikely alliance between the tech mogul and the veteran politician has been anything but straightforward.
Whether this public spat marks the beginning of the end for their partnership or a temporary blip remains to be seen, but based on Farage’s past form, those of us who know him cannot see him voluntarily giving up control of his party, whoever may become the nominal leader.
Main image: Screen Grab, YouTube
