UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Nigel Farage claims Elon Musk’s popularity will assist Reform UK connect with young people, making the party cooler and enhancing its chances in the next election.
The Reform UK leader, while describing the Tesla tycoon as a hero for the younger generation, said his influential support would play an essential role in engaging with the youth.
Amid growing speculation over a huge party funding from the world’s richest man, Nigel confirmed that any financial assistance from Elon Musk would be “legal and above board,” adding that the billionaire was considering a “reasonable-sized,” donation.
Earlier this month, rumours indicated that the funding could total $100m, making a new record in UK political history, yet less than the amount Mr Musk donated to support Trump’s re-election campaign.
While speaking about the party funding, Mr Farage revealed that during a visit to Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, he and Mr Musk discussed the donation, with Nick Candy, Reform UK’s new Treasurer, also part of the meeting.
During an interview with The Telegraph, the Reform UK leader talked about Elon Musk’s widespread appeal, adding, “The shades, the bomber jacket, the whole vibe. Elon makes us cool – Elon is a huge help to us with the young generation, and that will be the case going on, and frankly that’s only just starting.”
He added, “Reform only wins the next election if it gets the youth vote. The youth vote is the key. Of course you need voters of all ages, but if you get a wave of youth enthusiasm you can change everything.”
He also expressed his hope that Mr Musk would deliver the strategic plan for the Department of Government Efficiency, a new role assigned by the newly elected president.
This week, the Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Mr Farage have had a heated conflict over reports that Reform UK has more members than the Conservatives, with Ms Badenoch calling the statistics of 130,000 as “fakery.”
On Boxing Day, an online counter on Reform UK’s website showed its membership had crossed 131,680, the same number the Tory Party claimed during its leadership election earlier this year.
While responding to Tories leader, Mr Farage posted on X and stated, “The accusations of fraud and dishonesty made against me yesterday were disgraceful. Today we opened up our systems to The Telegraph, Spectator, Sky News & FT in the interests of full transparency to verify that our data is correct. I am now demanding Kemi Badenoch’s apologies.”
The accusations of fraud and dishonesty made against me yesterday were disgraceful.
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) December 27, 2024
Today we opened up our systems to The Telegraph, Spectator, Sky News & FT in the interests of full transparency to verify that our data is correct.
I am now demanding @KemiBadenoch apologises.
In the autumn, 131,680 Tories members were eligible to vote in the headship election to replace Rishi Sunak.
The Reform UK leader argued that the US is trying to reduce bureaucracy but the Britain is moving in the opposite direction. He said the world will ultimately follow the US strategy as “nothing actually works.”
Elon Musk, who also owns X, expressed support for Reform UK and criticized the UK’s prime minister for limiting freedom of speech.
Nigel Farage has also become a paid brand ambassador for Direct Bullion, promoting gold as an investment in a podcast. Though he has not yet declared his new position in the MP’s register.