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 comments were “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 calls by Reform UK and the Conservative Party for a national inquiry into grooming gangs.
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.
In a social media post on Sunday in response to Musk’s comments, 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.”
In the interview broadcast earlier on Sunday, Farage told the BBC that the fact that Musk “supports me politically and supports Reform 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.
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.
