Musk says Farage should step down as leader of UK Reform Party by Reuters

LONDON (Reuters) – U.S. billionaire Elon Musk said on Sunday that Nigel Farage should step down as leader of Britain’s right-wing Reform Party, in a surprise dip in support.

“The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage does not have what it takes,” Musk said on his social media platform, X.

Musk appeared to be supporting Farage, the Brexit campaigner, and took a photo with him last month.

Media have speculated that Musk – a close ally of US President-elect Donald Trump – may make a large cash donation to the Reform Party to help it challenge Britain’s dominant Labor and Conservative parties.

But on Saturday, Farage distanced himself from comments Musk made in support of British anti-Muslim activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known by the pseudonym Tommy Robinson, who is serving a prison sentence.

Farage responded to Musk’s post on Sunday, saying: “Well, this is a surprise! Elon is a special person but I’m afraid I don’t agree with that. My view remains that Tommy Robinson is not fit for reform and I would never give up on my principles.” ”

Last month, Musk endorsed the Alternative for Germany (AfD), an anti-immigration and anti-Islam party that German security services described as a far-right party ahead of national elections in February.