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Elon Musk has called for Nigel Farage to be replaced as leader of the UK's Reform Party in a surprise U-turn hours after the British politician refused to back 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 had previously praised Farage, urging people to “vote for reform” and describing the party as the UK's “only hope”.
On Friday, Musk claimed that Sir Keir Starmer was “complicit in the rape of Britain”, referring to the current prime minister's oversight of the UK Crown Prosecution Office when evidence of grooming rings emerged in the past decade.
Earlier on Sunday, Farage 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 the release of jailed right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and who is imprisoned for contempt of court. 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 large donation to the party.
Asked 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 does not mean that as two adults we have to agree with everything the other says.”
He added: “But I believe in freedom of expression.” I think he's a hero.”
Following Musk
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