Elon Musk’s Attack on Nigel Farage and the Rise of Reform UK
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has faced a public attack from tech billionaire Elon Musk, who called for his removal from leadership. This assault followed a week of social media posts seemingly designed to deflect attention from Musk’s controversial support for increased immigration to the United States. Musk’s claim that Farage “doesn’t have what it takes” came after Farage refused to admit jailed activist Tommy Robinson into the party.
However, Farage’s allies have swiftly rallied to his defense, highlighting Reform UK’s growing momentum. The party is experiencing a surge in popularity, surpassing the Conservatives in paid membership, according to reports. This success, they argue, demonstrates Farage’s effective leadership since his return to politics.
Reform MP Lee Anderson, who defected from the Conservative Party last year, voiced unwavering support: “Nigel put his faith in me and I will put my faith in him. We have the momentum, we have a plan and we have a man who can lead us to victory.” Anderson attributed the controversy surrounding Robinson to media manipulation, emphasizing that allowing Robinson into the party would only create a distracting media frenzy, hindering Reform UK’s progress toward its 2029 general election goals.
Fellow Reform MP Rupert Lowe also expressed his confidence in Farage, citing his role in Brexit and promising continued efforts to hold the Labour Party accountable. While acknowledging Musk’s praise for his work on the Muslim child rape grooming gang scandal, Lowe stated his sole focus remains on serving his constituents and country.
Musk’s intervention is particularly intriguing given his contrasting views on immigration. While praising Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for her call for an inquiry into the Muslim child rape grooming gang scandal—an issue Farage has championed for over a decade—Musk’s advocacy for H1-B visas in the US directly contradicts Farage’s platform of reduced immigration to Britain. Reform UK’s stance on immigration stands in stark contrast to Musk’s support for increased immigration, particularly through work visas. This position has placed Musk at odds with the America First movement. Musk’s companies have also been criticized for employing foreign workers after laying off American employees.
Ironically, Farage’s long-standing criticism of mass migration and multiculturalism, once a politically risky position, is gaining traction. A recent YouGov survey reveals that 70% of the British public now believe immigration levels are too high, the highest figure ever recorded by the pollster. This shift in public opinion coincides with Reform UK’s rise in the polls and bookmakers’ predictions placing Farage as a leading contender for the next Prime Minister.