Elon Musk comments that Nigel Farage "lacks the qualities" required to lead Reform UK.

Elon Musk claims Nigel Farage "isn't suited" to take on the role of Reform UK leader.

Nigel Farage was photographed smiling alongside Elon Musk during their meeting at Mar-A-Lago last month.

Elon Musk has urged Nigel Farage to step down as leader of Reform UK, following recent reports that the billionaire was considering supporting the party financially.

In a post on X, Musk remarked that Farage "doesn't have what it takes" to lead but offered no further explanation.

Farage suggested the comment was linked to a disagreement over Musk's backing of far-right activist Tommy Robinson. He described Musk's statement as "unexpected" but emphasized his commitment to his principles.

The remarks came shortly after Farage referred to Musk as a "friend" during a recent interview.

Elon Musk has been an outspoken supporter of Nigel Farage and Reform UK, previously stating in December that Britain "absolutely" needs the party.

However, tensions have arisen this week over Musk’s backing of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Robinson is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court after admitting to violating an injunction related to a 2021 libel case involving a Syrian refugee schoolboy.

Responding to Musk's recent comment, Farage posted on social media: "Elon is a remarkable individual, but on this, I must disagree." He emphasized, "My view remains that Tommy Robinson is not right for Reform, and I never compromise on my principles."

Shortly after Farage's statement, Musk reiterated his stance by posting, "Free Tommy Robinson now," on X.

In an earlier interview, Farage referred to Musk as a "hero" who gives Reform UK a "cool" image. However, he acknowledged that Musk's support "doesn't mean I have to agree with every single statement he makes."

Farage mentioned plans to discuss various topics with Musk, including Robinson, during the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Farage, who has strong ties to Trump, also noted Musk’s involvement in Trump’s administration.

As the situation unfolds, questions arise about whether these disagreements could impact Farage's relationship with the president-elect. Farage, who founded Reform UK in 2018 under its original name, the Brexit Party, resumed leadership and was elected as an MP in 2024.

In December, Nigel Farage and Reform UK’s new party treasurer, Nick Candy, held an hour-long meeting with Elon Musk at Mar-a-Lago, initiating discussions about a potential donation to the party.

Errol Musk, Elon’s father, speculated that his son might even consider becoming a UK citizen to facilitate a $100 million (£80.5 million) contribution to Reform UK. Farage later dismissed such claims as "nonsense."

As a US citizen, Musk is prohibited from making personal political donations in the UK. However, he could potentially do so through the British branch of his company, X.

For now, any prospects of a significant financial contribution from Musk to Reform UK appear to be on hold.

Since meeting Nigel Farage, Elon Musk has shown an increasing interest in UK politics, particularly by criticizing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

This week, Musk amplified calls from Reform UK and the Conservative Party for a national inquiry into grooming gangs. These calls followed the government's decision to decline an inquiry into historical sexual abuse cases in Oldham, opting instead for the local council to lead the investigation.

Musk accused Starmer of failing to prosecute "rape gangs" during his tenure as director of public prosecutions. He also made inflammatory remarks about Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, calling her a "rape genocide apologist" and claiming she "deserves to be in prison."

Addressing Musk's comments, Farage said on a Sunday program that while Musk's language was "very tough," it reflected the renewed emphasis on free speech under his leadership of X.

In 2022, an independent Greater Manchester Combined Authority inquiry revealed that serious failings by the police and council in Oldham left vulnerable children exposed to sexual exploitation. The government, however, declined to establish a national inquiry, with Oldham Council tasked to handle the matter.

Jess Phillips and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper argued that a local inquiry was sufficient, pointing to the 2022 Child Sexual Abuse Inquiry, which compiled findings from prior investigations in areas such as Rotherham, Rochdale, and Telford.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting condemned Musk's remarks, calling them a "disgraceful smear." He defended Starmer and Phillips, emphasizing their efforts to prosecute offenders, including rapists and child abusers, and urged the government to prioritize implementing the 20 recommendations from the 2022 report on child sexual abuse.

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