Nigel Farage has stated he is willing to forgo donations from Elon Musk in order to uphold Reform UK's principles, after the tech billionaire turned against him over the party's refusal to endorse far-right figure Tommy Robinson. Farage described Musk as a 'hero' but insisted that his party would not change its 'golden rule' of excluding former BNP activists.
Musk claimed on Sunday that Farage 'doesn't have what it takes' to lead Reform UK, following the MP's disagreement with his endorsement of Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Farage responded by saying that if Musk 'knew the full story of Tommy Robinson, he might have a slightly different view'.
Speaking on Monday, Farage said: 'I’m not giving up principles. I do not allow former BNP activists into this party. That’s a golden rule. We want no links with extremism of any kind at all. It’s not going to happen under my leadership.' He added that Robinson 'puts himself up for martyrdom' and has a long list of convictions, stating: 'Frankly, we have to have the rule of law. He is not a hero figure to me.'
Despite Musk's criticism, Farage still regards him as a 'hero' for buying Twitter and promoting free speech. Asked about the party's prospects without a Musk donation, Farage said: 'We will raise the money we need.'
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned 'the poison of the far right' that has led to threats against safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, whom Musk called a 'witch' and a 'rape genocide apologist'. Starmer defended his record on child sexual exploitation and criticised the Conservative Party for failing to call out such remarks.
