Elon Musk has is backing Nigel Farage for Prime Minister again, according to his father Errol, in a fresh endorsement which marks a striking U-turn from the tech billionaire’s previous criticism. Speaking to GB News, Errol Musk said his son had renewed his backing for the Reform UK leader, crediting Mr Farage with stepping up and “showing his metal” in recent months.
Mr Musk Snr said: “I did say a few months ago, when I was watching the various things going on in the UK, that I thought he would make a great cabinet minister and not particularly a great Prime Minister That was actually…my son did the same with him, a little way of, sort of putting a little bit of fire under him. And so he’s certainly responded well and pushed himself forward with much more strength. We look at him in a much better light now, right? So, I’d say yes, he’s all right. It’s all right.”
Asked directly whether Mr Farage could become Prime Minister, Mr Musk Sir added: “He’s showing his metal.
“Previously he was a little bit too accommodating, I would say, and he’s stopped being accommodating. And that’s what people want.”
The remarks follow a rocky history between Mr Musk and Mr Farage. In January, the Tesla boss posted on X: “The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage doesn’t have what it takes.”
And in April, he accused the Clacton MP of being “too soft” and not doing enough to challenge political consensus on issues such as free speech and net zero.
Mr Musk posted on X, formerly Twitter, that he was “disappointed” in Mr Farage’s refusal to back a full repeal of the Online Safety Act.
However, Mr Farage said: “I’m a big admirer of what Elon’s done with X – I agree with much of what he says about free speech.
“We may not agree on everything, but I’d welcome a chat.”
The olive branch appears to have paid off. In the months since, Mr Farage has hardened his stance on digital censorship, warning about what he described as “creeping authoritarianism” in British institutions. That shift has seemingly impressed Mr Musk.
Mr Farage has previously hailed the Tesla CEO as a “visionary,” and in 2022 he praised Mr Musk’s decision to buy Twitter, describing it as “a win for democracy.”
He said: “What Elon understands, perhaps better than any politician in Britain today, is that the free exchange of ideas is the bedrock of a functioning society.”
Mr Farage has yet to comment directly on Errol Musk’s remarks, but his party would undoubtedly welcome renewed support from his son.
Following last year’s general election, there were suggestions that Elon Musk might be willing to bankroll Reform to the tune of £100 million – although he downplayed this when asked by reporters.
