Elon Musk says Nigel Farage 'doesn't have what it takes' to lead Reform

The world's richest man, Elon Musk has called for Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage to resign amid his continued criticism of UK politics as ITV News' Political Correspondent Shehab Khan reports

Elon Musk has called for Reform to choose a new leader, saying Nigel Farage "doesn't have what it takes" to lead the party, just weeks after the pair met in the US.

The X owner took to the social media platform on Sunday to criticise Farage after Musk spent days posting about the UK's response to the grooming gangs scandal and support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

The two have been aligned on key political issues and are both ardent backers of Donald Trump but on Sunday Musk posted: "The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage doesn’t have what it takes."

It was his fifth post about British politics within an hour following hundreds of posts critical of the UK government in recent weeks.

Farage said Musk's comment was a "surprise" and suggested it was due to a disagreement over the tech-billionaire defending Tommy Robinson.

Responding to Musk's comments on Sunday, Farage posted on social media: "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."

Musk later appeared to endorse Rupert Lowe, one of the party’s five MPs, as a replacement.

“I have not met Rupert Lowe, but his statements online that I have read so far make a lot of sense,” Mr Musk wrote in response to a post asking whether the Great Yarmouth MP and former Southampton FC chairman should take over the top job.

Mr Lowe backed the Reform UK leader, posting on X: “Nigel is leader of Reform. He made Brexit happen, and for that I will always be grateful.

“I look forward to working with Nigel and the entire team to continue to hold this incompetent Labour Party to account, democratise our own party, win the next election and form a Reform Government.”

He agreed that Robinson was “not right for Reform” and thanked Mr Musk for his “kind comments”.

Both Musk and Farage have both been heavily critical of Sir Keir Starmer and the wider British government in recent days accusing them of not wanting to properly investigate the scandal.

On Thursday, Musk posted a series of tweets defending far-right activist Tommy Robinson calling for him to be released from prison and for the UK to hold another general election.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed in October for 18 months after he admitted repeating false allegations against a Syrian refugee, in breach of an injunction.

There had been rumours for several weeks that Musk was looking to make a $100m (£80m) donation to Reform.

At the end of November, the Times reported Musk was considering the donation in order to boost Reform's chances at the next election.

Farage met Mr Musk in December alongside Reform's treasurer Nick Candy, further adding to the speculation about a potential donation.

At the time Farage said the meeting with Musk was "great."

Farage has repeatedly praised Musk for purchasing X and becoming more involved in politics.

But in recent days Farage has been more cautious about outright praising him due to Musk's regular posts in support of far-right British activist Tommy Robinson.

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Farage said on Friday Musk was an "absolute hero" but called his support of Robinson "not what we need."

Musk has also repeatedly called for King Charles II to dissolve Parliament in recent weeks due to his criticism of Sir Keir.

Speaking about Musk's criticism of the prime minister and government last week, Farage said he is “tweeting about everything” and has a “whole range of opinions, some of which I agree with very strongly and others of which are more reticent about.”

Reform UK and Farage have been approached for comment.

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