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Elon Musk has called for Nigel Farage to be replaced as UK Reform leader in a shocking U-turn after the British politician refused to support the latest internet claims.
“The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage doesn't have what it takes,” Musk wrote on X, his social media site, on Sunday afternoon.
The Tesla boss previously praised Farage, urging people to “vote Reform”, and calling the party the UK's “only hope”.
Musk has posted repeatedly about UK politics since Labor was elected in July, from Sir Keir Starmer's response to the summer's disputes over the country's tax policy. In the past week, he has tweeted several times about the historic allegation involving sex grooming gangs in the north of England, mainly complaining about the failure to hold the perpetrators to account.
On Friday, Musk claimed that Starmer “had a hand in British rape”, referring to the former prime minister's role in overseeing the UK's prosecution office when evidence of gangs emerged ten years ago.
Musk also described Jess Phillips, the UK minister for protection and violence against women and girls, as a “rape genocide advocate” and a “wicked witch”.
Earlier on Sunday, Farage refused to acknowledge Musk's language relating to Starmer and Phillips. “I don't agree with everything he stands for,” he told the BBC.
Musk also called for jailed far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and is in jail for contempt of court, to be released. Earlier this week, Farage ruled out Robinson joining the Reform party, saying it was “not what we want”.
In an interview on Sunday, Farage said he would explain to Musk that Robinson was in prison for lying in court rather than exposing criminal gangs.
In response, Musk wrote to X: “I know he's in jail for contempt of court.” . . but there is NO reason for such long prison terms or solitary confinement!”
Pressed on whether he thought Musk's comments about British politics were acceptable, Farage said: “The fact that Musk supports me and supports Reform doesn't mean that as two adults we have to agree with everything the other says.”
He added: “But I believe in freedom of speech. I think you are a hero.”
After Musk's X post, Farage responded by quoting and writing: “Yes, this is amazing! Elon is a great guy but on this I'm afraid I disagree. My opinion remains that Tommy Robinson does not deserve the Reformation and I have never sold on my principles. “
Musk and Farage met at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida last month, when the tech billionaire said he was considering making a big donation to Farage's team.
The growing friendship between the two figures has become a serious cause for concern for the Conservative party and Labour.
Musk's repeated criticism of Starmer previously led Lord Peter Mandelson, the recently appointed British ambassador to Washington, to suggest that Farage should be used as a “bridgehead” between the Labor government and the incoming US administration.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called on the UK government to launch a national inquiry into moral blasphemy, saying it should “take into account the racial or religious motivation of the offence”.
Musk responded by posting on X: “Good for Kemi Badenoch!”
He also wrote well about the MP Rupert Lowe, saying “his comments on the internet that I have read so far are very sound”.
Farage has sought to position Reform UK as a rival to the Conservatives.