Elon Musk Sparks Controversy, Calls for Nigel Farage to Step Down as Reform Party Leader

Elon Musk Calls for Nigel Farage to Be Replaced as Reform Party Leader

Elon Musk has sparked controversy by calling for Nigel Farage to step down as leader of Reform UK, a surprising reversal from the tech billionaire, who had previously championed Farage and his party. Musk’s statement on his social media platform X came just hours after Farage refused to support Musk's recent online claims. "The Reform party needs a new leader. Farage doesn’t have what it takes," Musk posted on Sunday afternoon.

This marks a sharp shift in Musk’s stance, as he had previously praised Farage and urged support for Reform UK, even calling it the "only hope" for the United Kingdom. Over recent months, Musk has become increasingly vocal about UK politics, frequently criticizing figures like Prime Minister Keir Starmer and others in government. He recently accused Starmer of being “complicit in the rape of Britain” during his tenure as head of the prosecution office over a decade ago, when evidence of grooming gangs in northern England first surfaced.

Musk has also targeted Jess Phillips, the minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, labeling her a “rape genocide apologist” and a “wicked witch.” These inflammatory remarks drew attention when, earlier on Sunday, Farage declined to endorse Musk’s language during a BBC interview, stating, "I don’t agree with everything he stands for."

Adding to the friction, Musk has called for the release of Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist currently in prison for contempt of court. Farage had previously ruled out Robinson’s involvement in Reform UK, stating that he "is not what we need." Farage also clarified that Robinson’s imprisonment stemmed from lying in court rather than exposing criminal activity. Musk, however, defended Robinson on X, arguing that his sentence and solitary confinement were unjustified.

Farage addressed the growing divide, emphasizing his respect for free speech while maintaining his disagreements with Musk. “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,” he remarked, adding, “But I do believe in free speech. I think he’s a hero.”

After Musk’s public call for new leadership, Farage responded on X, saying, “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.”

The pair recently met at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, where Musk reportedly expressed interest in making a substantial donation to Farage’s party. Their alliance has raised concerns among both the Conservative Party and Labour, with Musk’s criticism of Starmer even prompting Lord Peter Mandelson to suggest using Farage as a potential liaison between Labour and the U.S.

Meanwhile, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called for a national inquiry into the grooming gang scandal, urging that racial or religious motivations behind the crimes be considered. Musk voiced his support for Badenoch, posting, "Good for Kemi Badenoch!" on X. He also praised Reform MP Rupert Lowe, stating that his views "make a lot of sense."

Farage continues to position Reform UK as a direct competitor to the Conservatives, but Musk’s public disapproval has added an unexpected twist to the party’s future leadership dynamics.