Elon Musk has said Reform UK needs a new leader because Nigel Farage “doesn’t have what it takes”. The tech billionaire’s comments came just hours after Farage described him as “a hero”. His latest intervention on UK politics casts serious doubt on claims he was prepared to make a substantial donation to Reform.

Elon Musk has called for Nigel Farage to be replaced as leader of Reform UK in a surprising U-turn hours after the British politician refused to endorse some of the tech billionaire’s latest online claims. “The Reform party needs a new leader. Farage doesn’t have what it takes,” Musk wrote on X, his social media site, on Sunday afternoon.