Nigel Farage has lauded Elon Musk as a “hero” while addressing reports that the billionaire might donate $100 million (£80 million) to Reform UK, a claim the party leader dismissed as “somewhat overexaggerated.”

Speaking at the party’s East Midlands conference, Farage said Musk’s plans for improving Donald Trump’s administration could serve as “the blueprint we need” for Britain. “I am very pleased he’s backing our party, even if reports of his potential financial donations are somewhat overexaggerated,” Farage told attendees. “Whether we like everything he says or not, he’s a hero.”

Musk, known for his outspoken views, has recently commented on British politics through his social media platform. On Thursday, he told his followers that “Britain needs Reform now,” sparking rumors of significant financial support for Farage’s party.

Tesla’s CEO has also voiced support for controversial figures like Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Robinson, recently jailed for 18 months for contempt of court, has been accused of “politicising” the issue of child grooming rings in the UK. Farage sought to distance his party from Robinson.

“[Musk] sees Robinson as one of these people that fought against the grooming gangs. But of course, the truth is Tommy Robinson’s in prison not for that, but for contempt of court. We’re a political party aiming to win the next general election. [Robinson] is not what we need.”
Nigel Farage

During the event, Farage announced that the party would target Kemi Badenoch’s North West Essex seat in the next general election. He declared: “The gloves are off,” after Badenoch accused Reform UK of inflating its membership numbers.

Badenoch claimed that Reform’s membership tally, which reportedly surpassed the Conservative Party’s 131,680 members last year, was “coded to tick up automatically.” She stated: “This kind of fakery gets found out pretty quickly, although not before many are fooled.”

Farage refuted her accusations, claiming his party has nearly 400 members in Badenoch’s constituency and would intensify efforts there. “Not only are these not fake members, but we’re now going to make this a target constituency for the next general election,” he said.

“You accused me of being dishonest. You had your chance to apologise. Well, now the gloves are off.”
Nigel Farage

Membership Debate Fuels Party Momentum

Farage took to X, formerly Twitter, earlier on Friday, accusing Badenoch of spreading “crazy conspiracy theories.” He noted that her comments had galvanized support for Reform UK, resulting in a surge in membership.

At the conference, attended by approximately 1,000 members, Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s chair, mocked Badenoch’s claims. “According to Kemi, you are nothing more than a figment of Nigel’s imagination,” Yusuf said to the crowd, thanking her for the unintended boost in sign-ups.

Former Conservative MP Marco Longhi, who recently defected to Reform, also addressed the audience. He described the Conservative Party as “unrecognisable” and said: “The betrayals we have seen in recent years have been so huge they eclipse any sense of loyalty I have.” Longhi represented Dudley North from 2019 until his defection.

Outside the venue, hundreds of protesters rallied against the event, chanting slogans like “refugees are welcome here.” Despite the demonstrations, attendees remained upbeat, celebrating what they viewed as a growing momentum for their party.

As Farage’s Reform UK eyes ambitious electoral goals, including targeting high-profile constituencies, questions remain about the party’s broader appeal and whether figures like Musk will play a financial or symbolic role in its future.