By William Schomberg
LONDON (Reuters) – Elon Musk has called for Nigel Farage to step down as leader of the right-wing Reform UK party, withdrawing his support from the Brexit advocate in a sudden turn of events. The U.S. billionaire expressed his belief that the Reform Party requires a new leader, stating that Farage lacks the necessary qualities for the role.
Musk’s remarks came through his social media platform X on Sunday, shortly after Farage had referred to him as a friend who brought a sense of “cool” to the Reform Party. Musk, a prominent ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, had previously shown support for Farage, even appearing in a photograph together last month.
Reform UK made significant gains in the national election last July, securing 4.1 million votes, equivalent to 14% of the total votes, and claiming five seats in parliament. Speculation had been rife in the media regarding the possibility of Musk providing substantial financial support to Reform UK to bolster its challenge against the two main parties, Labour and the Conservatives.
However, Farage distanced himself from Musk following the latter’s expression of support for British anti-immigration and anti-Muslim activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, currently serving a prison sentence for contempt of court.
In response to Musk’s statement, Farage expressed surprise, acknowledging Musk as a remarkable individual but affirming his disagreement. Farage reiterated his stance that Tommy Robinson is not a suitable fit for Reform UK, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to his principles.
In recent developments, Musk endorsed the Alternative for Germany, a right-wing party labeled as anti-immigration and anti-Islamic by German security services ahead of the upcoming national elections in February. Musk has a history of involvement in British politics, frequently criticizing Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Just last week, Musk called for a national inquiry into cases of rape involving men of Pakistani heritage and underage girls during Starmer’s tenure as head of the government’s prosecution service. A prior inquiry in 2014 revealed that over 1,400 children in Rotherham, northern England, had fallen victim to sexual exploitation between 1997 and 2013.
Responding to Musk’s criticisms, UK health minister Wes Streeting came to the defense of Starmer and another cabinet member, Jess Phillips. Streeting emphasized the challenges faced by officials like Starmer and Phillips in pursuing justice against perpetrators of domestic violence, rape, and pedophilia.
The unfolding dynamics between Musk, Farage, and key figures in British politics underscore the complexities and tensions within the political landscape, particularly in the context of Brexit, immigration policies, and the pursuit of justice for victims of abuse and exploitation.
