Elon Musk has stated that Nigel Farage “doesn’t have what it takes” to lead Reform UK, just weeks after their “great” meeting at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in the U.S.
The Tesla and X owner met with Farage in December, an encounter the former UKIP leader described as “historic.” This meeting coincided with reports that Musk was considering a donation of up to $100 million (£79 million) to Reform UK. While Farage has defended Musk’s criticisms of the UK government regarding its handling of grooming gangs on X, he distanced himself from Musk’s support for imprisoned political activist Tommy Robinson, stating that Robinson is “not what we need.”
Following Musk’s comments, Farage appeared to support Rupert Lowe, one of the party’s MPs, as a potential successor. “I have not met Rupert Lowe, but his statements online that I have read so far make a lot of sense,” Musk replied to a post about the Great Yarmouth MP and former Southampton FC chairman.
In response to Musk’s remarks, Farage tweeted, “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.”
Earlier in an interview, Farage defended Musk against criticism from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and safeguarding minister Jess Phillips. Musk had suggested that Phillips “deserves to be in prison” for blocking calls for a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham, and claimed that Starmer had failed to prosecute “rape gangs” during his time as director of public prosecutions. Farage acknowledged Musk’s strong language, noting, “In public life, tough things get said.”
When asked whether he was hesitant to criticize Musk due to the potential donation, Farage clarified, “I think I made it perfectly clear that I don’t agree with everything he stands for, but I do believe in free speech. I think he’s a hero, and I said that well before any potential money was offered.”
After their meeting, Farage mentioned that they had discussed financial matters and that negotiations would continue.
