Tech billionaire Elon Musk’s increasing engagement with Britain’s political scene has sparked alarm, particularly due to his apparent alignment with hard-right figure Nigel Farage.
Farage, leader of the anti-immigration Reform UK party, revealed on Wednesday that he is in talks with Musk about a potential donation to his party. Writing in The Telegraph, Farage disclosed that “the issue of money was discussed” during their meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. He added, “There will be ongoing negotiations on that score,” noting Musk’s criticism of the Labour and Conservative parties as a “uniparty” and his strong support for Reform UK.
While reports suggest Musk could contribute up to $100 million to Reform UK, Farage told the BBC that no specific figures were discussed. He emphasized that any donation would need to comply with UK laws, stating it must be made “legally through UK companies.”
Reform UK, which secured five seats in the 650-seat UK Parliament during July’s general election, has drawn voters away from both Labour and the Conservatives.
Dominic Johnson, co-chairman of the Conservative Party, criticized the potential donation, arguing it would effectively allow Musk to “buy” a UK political party.
Russell Foster, a senior lecturer in British and International Politics at King’s College, highlighted the ideological shift, saying, “Figures like Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Nigel Farage represent a new, hardline right that has overtaken traditional conservatives.”
Musk’s criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government has also fueled controversy. On his social media platform X, Musk accused the UK of becoming a “tyrannical police state” and claimed “civil war is inevitable” in response to Labour’s handling of anti-immigrant riots. He has also voiced opposition to Labour’s proposed social media regulations, advising against visiting the UK and alleging leniency towards convicted criminals.
Musk’s rhetoric has resonated with far-right influencers and complicated Starmer’s efforts to strengthen ties with U.S. Republicans. Despite Labour’s traditional alignment with the Democrats, Starmer met with Trump in New York in September to foster relations.
“The prime minister looks forward to working with President Trump and his team, including Elon Musk,” a Downing Street spokesperson said recently.
Labour politician Peter Mandelson urged a pragmatic approach, acknowledging Musk’s influence. “Farage serves as a bridge to Trump, Musk, and others. It’s essential to be practical about this,” Mandelson stated.
As Musk’s involvement in UK politics deepens, his connections with Farage and Trump are raising questions about his motives and the potential consequences for Britain’s political and diplomatic future.
