Nigel Farage says he wants to “mend fences” with Elon Musk, after the billionaire Trump adviser called for him to be replaced as Reform UK party leader.
Just before Christmas, Farage told journalists his party was in “negotiations” with Mr Musk, the world’s richest man, about a potential donation.
But come the new year, the relationship had soured, with Tesla boss Mr Musk saying Farage “did not have what it takes” to lead the party.
Farage suggested the snub was over a disagreement about Mr Musk’s support for the jailed far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Speaking on LBC, Farage said he planned to repair his relationship with Mr Musk during an upcoming “four or five” day trip to the US for Donald Trump’s inauguration as president on 20 January.
“Of course I want his support, of course I will talk to him in America in a few days’ time, of course I want to mend any broken fences that might exist,” he said.
“I have no desire to go to war with Elon Musk and I’m not going to, and I haven’t done”, he added. “I’m a huge admirer of him – I think he’s an heroic figure.”
He repeated his belief that losing Mr Musk’s support would damage the party’s chances with younger voters, because the tech entrepreneur was “a cult hero figure” and “he kind of makes us look cool”.
However, Farage said he “would not be moved” over Mr Musk’s call to free Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who was jailed in October last year for repeating false claims against a Syrian refugee.
The Reform UK leader said many of his “American friends” had only “seen one side of the Robinson story”, and were unaware of Robinson’s criminal record.
“He has been in prison many times over the years… Once he almost brought down a trial at which gang rapists were ultimately convicted,” Farage said.
He added that embracing Robinson would do Reform UK “immense harm, and probably rightly so.”
However, insisted Mr Musk’s backing was “not crucial” and suggested the falling out with the billionaire could benefit Reform UK in future.
He added: “The fact that I’ve stood up on a point of principle – even if in the short term it’s to my detriment – in the long run may even work in our favour.”
