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Elon Musk has called for Nigel Farage to be replaced as leader of Reform UK in a surprising U-turn hours after the British politician refused to endorse some of the tech billionaire’s latest online 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 has previously heaped praise on Farage, urging people to “vote Reform”, and calling the party the UK’s “only hope”.
On Friday, Musk claimed Sir Keir Starmer was “complicit in the rape of Britain”, in reference to the now-prime minister’s oversight of the UK’s prosecution office when evidence of grooming gangs came to light last decade.
Earlier on Sunday, Farage had refused to endorse Musk’s language. “I don’t agree with everything he stands for,” he told the BBC.
Musk has also repeatedly called for jailed rightwing activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and who is in prison for contempt of court, to be freed. Earlier this week, Farage ruled out Robinson joining the Reform party, saying “he’s not what we need”.
Musk and Farage met at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence last month, when the tech billionaire said he was considering making a sizeable donation to the party.
Pressed on whether he thought Musk’s comments about British political figures were acceptable on Sunday, Farage said: “The fact that Musk supports me and supports Reform doesn’t mean as two grown-ups we have to agree with everything the other says.”
He added: “But I do believe in free speech. I think he’s a hero.”
After Musk’s X post, Farage responded by quoting it and writing: “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.”
This is a developing story
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