Musk Shakes UK Politics: "Farage Lacks Qualities to Lead Reform Party"

by Cho Seulkina

Published 06 Jan.2025 05:55(KST)

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has claimed that Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Reform Party and known as the 'British Trump,' should be replaced. Musk, who has emerged as a key figure in the upcoming Donald Trump U.S. administration, has recently sparked controversy over interference in domestic affairs by openly supporting far-right parties in Europe, including in the UK and Germany.

Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Reform Party (left), is taking a commemorative photo after meeting Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla (center), at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, USA, in December last year. Farage's X post

According to The Guardian and others, on the 5th (local time), Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter) stating, "The Reform Party needs a new leader," and "Farage lacks the qualifications." This came about three weeks after Musk met with Farage at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, hinting at the possibility of a large political donation, boasting of their so-called 'bromance.' He also appeared to support Rupert Lowe, a Reform Party politician, as a replacement candidate by saying that Lowe's remarks were "reasonable in many respects."

The Guardian noted, "Musk's sudden change of heart must be very embarrassing for Farage," suggesting that the conflict may stem from disagreements surrounding British far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Earlier this month, Musk posted several messages on X demanding "Free Tommy Robinson." However, shortly after, Farage stated, "Some people think Robinson is a political prisoner, but that is not true," and drew a line by saying, "We are a party aiming to win the next general election, and Robinson is not someone we need."

Robinson is an 'extremist' far-right figure so radical that even the UK Reform Party and Farage try to distance themselves from him, emphasizing anti-immigration and anti-European integration. He is a co-founder of the English Defence League (EDL), an anti-immigration and anti-Islam far-right group established in 2009, and has been imprisoned since October last year for repeatedly making false claims about Syrian refugees in violation of court orders.

Farage responded to Musk's post calling for his replacement as party leader by saying it was "surprising" and, "Elon is an extraordinary person, but I do not agree on this point." He wrote on X, "My view that Tommy Robinson is not suitable for the Reform Party remains unchanged. I never sell my principles."

The Guardian previously reported that after Musk met with Farage, there was speculation that Musk might donate up to $100 million to the Reform Party, but now that possibility seems low. The incident also serves as a reminder to Farage and other British politicians of how dangerous it is to seek the favor of the capricious Musk, who barely understands British politics.

President-elect of the United States Donald Trump and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla. Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News.

Musk, who has risen as a close aide to President-elect Trump, has recently been embroiled in controversy over interference in domestic affairs by attacking the UK and German governments and openly supporting far-right political forces. A few days ago, he shared a post on X calling for King Charles III of the UK to dissolve Parliament and hold a new general election to oust the seven-month-old Labour government, expressing support with a "Yes." However, it is legally impossible for the UK monarch to dissolve Parliament without the Prime Minister's request. On the same day, Musk repeated claims that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer covered up child sexual abuse cases while serving as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) from 2008 to 2013, posting that "Starmer must resign. It is a national disgrace."

Regarding Germany, which is facing a general election next month, Musk has attacked the current government, saying only the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) can save the country. He called German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) an "anti-democratic tyrant" and disparaged Chancellor Olaf Scholz as an "incompetent fool." Some foreign media have evaluated that Musk is trying to establish influence in Europe in a manner similar to that in the United States.