Elon Musk Disowns Nigel Farage
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has publicly distanced himself from Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, declaring on Sunday, “The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage doesn’t have what it takes.”
This stark dismissal from Musk follows weeks of controversy surrounding his inflammatory remarks on British politics, which included calling Prime Minister Keir Starmer “complicit in the rape of Britain” and labelling Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, a “rape genocide apologist.” The remarks, broadcast to Musk’s 210 million followers on X, formerly known as Twitter, have provoked widespread condemnation.
Farage, who has previously hailed Musk as a “hero” and a champion of free speech, defended the tech mogul despite the backlash. Speaking to the BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, Farage said: “I don’t agree with everything he says, but I do believe in free speech. Musk has brought free speech back to social media, and that’s a good thing.”
However, the former Brexit Party leader stopped short of condemning Musk’s remarks. Instead, he deflected, suggesting that Starmer bore some responsibility for failures to prosecute grooming gangs during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions. “In 2008, a case of alleged mass rape was brought forward, and it didn’t lead to prosecution. If you believe in free speech, people are allowed to have an opinion,” Farage said.
The controversy escalated when Musk voiced support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson, currently imprisoned for contempt of court. Farage quickly distanced himself from Robinson, stating, “He is not what we need,” and emphasised that Reform UK is focused on winning the next general election.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting condemned Musk’s comments about Jess Phillips as “a disgraceful smear” against a dedicated advocate for victims of violence. He contrasted Musk’s inflammatory rhetoric with the tangible efforts of leaders like Starmer and Phillips in tackling violence against women and prosecuting offenders.
Critics have also highlighted the potential risks of Musk’s increasing involvement in British politics. Speculation about a substantial financial donation from Musk to Reform UK has intensified after Farage confirmed discussions during a meeting at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Reports suggest Musk could donate up to $100 million (£80 million), a figure Farage has dismissed as “overexaggerated.”
This potential financial backing has drawn scrutiny over Britain’s political donation laws, with concerns about foreign influence. The Electoral Commission has called for tighter regulations, including limits on company donations, to prevent loopholes that could enable foreign interference.
Musk’s divisive comments, coupled with his potential funding of Reform UK, have sparked debate over the role of tech billionaires in shaping political narratives. Critics argue that his interventions undermine trust in the UK’s democratic system.
