As he falls out with Farage, how should politicians handle Elon Musk?
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For British politicians, the question of the moment is how do you handle Elon Musk?. The billionaire owner of X and Tesla, soon to take up a role as efficiency tsar in the Trump administration, has been throwing grenades almost every hour about British politics on his social media platform and dominating the headlines.
Much of it is inflammatory claims about Keir Starmer and his government - despite their efforts to build good relations with Donald Trump. And until today, enthusiastic backing for Nigel Farage, who only in mid-December met Musk in the glitzy surroundings of Mar-a-Lago to talk money, amid reports he was considering a $100m donation to Reform.
Then bam! - after Farage repeatedly hailed Musk as a "hero" who made Reform "look cool" and was looking forward to a chat at Trump's inauguration - the tables have turned rather dramatically. Musk tweeted that Farage "doesn't have what it takes" to lead the party and that Reform needs a new leader.
His change of heart comes after Musk has spent days intensively tweeting about grooming gangs in the UK, and his support for jailed far right activist Tommy Robinson, who has seized on this issue. Elon Musk grooming gang claims 'ridiculous', minister says - and confirms govt committed to inquiry recommendations.
Elon Musk says 'Farage doesn't have what it takes' as Reform UK leader describes comment as 'a surprise'. Reform deputy praises 'popular' Elon Musk - as Labour criticises 'ridiculous' grooming gangs intervention. Farage, who has tried to distance himself from Robinson for most of his career, thinks this is the reason for the fall out, responding that he was surprised but added: "My view remains that Tommy Robinson is not right for Reform and I never sell out my principles.".
