Reform MP backs leader Farage amid Musk snub

Reform MP Rupert Lowe said he was standing by party leader Nigel Farage after US tech billionaire Elon Musk called for him to be replaced.

The entrepreneur said on X that Farage "doesn't have what it takes" to lead the party - but did not explain his reasoning.

When asked by a follower about the Great Yarmouth MP being a potential new leader, Mr Musk said Lowe's online statements "make a lot of sense".

In a statement to the BBC, Lowe thanked Mr Musk for "his kind comments" but backed Farage to head the party.

Farage, who represents the Essex constituency of Clacton said he was prepared to forego donations from Mr Musk in order to defend the party's "principles".

The party leader suggested Mr Musk's criticism was due to a disagreement over the X owner's support for far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson.

The US citizen added his voice to calls to release Yaxley-Lennon, who was jailed in October after admitting contempt of court by repeating false claims against a Syrian refugee.

"Frankly, we have to have the rule of law," said Farage.

"I'm not giving up principles. I do not allow former BNP (British National Party) activists into this party. That's a golden rule."

He added he still regarded Musk as a "hero" of free speech, but said that if he "knew the full story of Tommy Robinson, he might have a slightly different view".

Asked how Reform would fare without a donation from Mr Musk, Farage said: "We will raise the money we need."

Following the rift, Mr Musk seemed to praise Lowe when asked about him as a potential new party leader.

He wrote: "I have not met Rupert Lowe, but his statements online that I have read so far make a lot of sense."

In a series of posts over several days, Mr Musk also suggested Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer failed to prosecute grooming gangs and Home Office minister Jess Phillips "deserves to be in prison".

Sir Kier has defended his and Phillips' records, criticising "those spreading lies and misinformation" - but he did not name Mr Musk.

In his statement to the BBC, Lowe praised Yaxley-Lennon's "role in exposing these gangs", but said he was "not right for Reform".

He said: "I thank Elon for his kind comments. I just want to do what is right for my constituency and my country - that is my only interest.

"Nigel is leader of Reform. He made Brexit happen, and for that I will always be grateful.

"I look forward to working with Nigel and the entire team to continue to hold this incompetent Labour Party to account, democratise our own party, win the next election and form a Reform government."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said that Farage said: "Rupert is doing well but I do not see him as a threat.

"Reform is making huge progress. If Elon Musk does not want to be on that journey with us, that is up to him."

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