Elon Musk has called for Nigel Farage to be replaced as leader of Reform UK, just weeks after reports the multi-billionaire was in talks to donate to the party.
In a post on his social media site X, Musk said Farage “doesn’t have what it takes” to lead the party – but did not explain his reasoning.
Farage suggested this was due to a disagreement over Musk’s support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
He said Musk’s comment was “a surprise”, but that he would “never sell out my principles”.
The comment from the tech entrepreneur comes hours after Farage described Musk as a “friend” in an interview on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme.
Musk has been a vocal supporter of Farage and his party, posting on X in December that Britain “absolutely” needs Reform UK.
But this week a rift emerged over Musk’s support for Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court.
Robinson admitted in court to breaching an injunction against repeating claims about a Syrian refugee schoolboy after losing a 2021 libel case.
In a social media post on Sunday in response to Musk’s comment, Farage said: “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.”
Minutes after Farage made his statement, Musk posted on X: “Free Tommy Robinson now.”
In the interview broadcast earlier on Sunday, Farage called Musk a “hero” who makes Reform UK “look cool”.
But he added that Musk’s support “doesn’t mean I have to agree with every single statement he makes on X”.
Farage said he planned to “have a conversation with (Musk) on a variety of things” – including Robinson – at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Farage has maintained close ties to Trump, who has given Musk a role in his administration.
The question now is whether Farage’s friendship with the president-elect is affected.
Farage founded Reform UK in 2018, then called the Brexit Party, and returned as the party’s leader before being elected as an MP in 2024.
