Nigel Farage has insisted he remains on “very good terms” with Elon Musk despite recent tensions over the Reform UK leader’s refusal to support far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Mr Farage dismissed the notion of a lasting rift with the billionaire, saying, “I don’t think there’s any long-term rift with Elon Musk at all.”
The comments follow Mr Musk’s assertion that Mr Farage “doesn’t have what it takes” to lead Reform UK, sparking speculation about the nature of their relationship. The apparent disagreement arose after Mr Musk reportedly encouraged Mr Farage to publicly support jailed activist Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Disagreement but no rift
Speaking after Reform’s South East conference on Friday evening, Mr Farage acknowledged the disagreement but downplayed its significance. “Elon wasn’t very happy with me, but you know what, since then he’s retweeted me several times,” Mr Farage said. “We absolutely agree that we don’t want to be at war with each other in any way at all and we have very similar aims.”
Pressed further on the specifics of their communication, Mr Farage refused to divulge details of private conversations but assured, “Let’s put it like this, we’re on very good terms.”
Standing his ground
Earlier in the day, Mr Farage told Sky News that he “can’t be pushed or bullied” into changing his stance. “I stick to what I believe in, even if that sometimes means there are some short-term consequences,” he said, reinforcing his commitment to his principles.
Mr Musk, who owns Tesla and X (formerly Twitter), had been rumoured to be considering a significant donation to Reform UK. Their relationship gained attention after the pair met at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in December, a meeting Mr Farage described as “historic” and “great.”
A lighter touch at the conference
Mr Farage appeared to make light of last weekend’s controversy during his speech at Reform UK’s South East conference, held at Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher. “We are livestreaming this conference on all our platforms, including one called X,” he quipped to laughter. “You have good days and bad days, but that is the way it is.”
The conference is part of a series of regional events hosted by Reform UK, with another planned in the North West on Saturday.
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Criticism of local election postponements
During his speech, Mr Farage criticised Conservative-led councils for requesting postponements to local elections amid significant local government reorganisation. He accused them of “political cowardice,” declaring, “What they have done today is an act of political cowardice. It is denying people their democratic rights, and frankly, I’m angry. I think the whole thing is a complete and utter disgrace.”
New defectors welcomed
Mr Farage also introduced two former Conservative councillors who have defected to Reform UK. Norfolk councillor Robin Hunter-Clarke and Elmbridge Borough councillor Harrison Allman-Varty, who made headlines as the youngest elected borough councillor at age 18, were welcomed to the party.
The event highlighted Reform UK’s growing ambitions, with Mr Farage asserting that the party is well-positioned to challenge the established political order.
A balancing act
The latest developments underscore Mr Farage’s delicate balancing act in navigating relationships with influential figures like Elon Musk while maintaining his own political identity. With Mr Musk previously showing support for Mr Farage’s leadership, the fallout over Robinson adds complexity to an already high-stakes dynamic.
As Reform UK continues to campaign and attract defectors, Mr Farage’s ability to manage such tensions and maintain focus on his party’s broader goals will be crucial in shaping its future.
