Reform UK MPs have shown unwavering support for Nigel Farage after Elon Musk called for the Clacton MP to be replaced as leader, claiming the former Brexit Party founder "doesn't have what it takes" to lead the party.
The tech billionaire's statement on X comes just weeks after reports emerged that he was in discussions to make a substantial donation to Reform UK.
Farage defended Musk to the BBC on Sunday, praising the return of "free speech" following Musk's criticism of the UK Government's handling of grooming gangs.
However, the Reform UK leader has sought to distance himself from Musk's support for Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist currently serving time for contempt of court.
The controversy surrounding Robinson has prompted Reform UK figures to address the issue directly, with Lee Anderson stating on X that "much of this row is the media stirring things up".
Anderson further commented that if Robinson were to become a member, it "would put people off from joining or getting involved" in the party.
The Ashfield MP wrote on X: "I would not be here without Nigel. And Nigel is right," Anderson wrote, pledging his support for the party's direction.
"Over the next four years, Reform UK led by Nigel is going to fight for the heart and soul of our beautiful country.
"Over the past 10 months, I have seen close up how Nigel operates and how hard he works pulling everything together. I don't know how he does it.
"There are plenty out there who want to see us fail, we love our country and we want it back. On the Tommy Robinson issue I'm not sure he even wants to be a member and much of this row is the media stirring things up. We only respond to questions on the subject.
"That said, if TR was a member, could you imagine the daily media frenzy and the constant headlines which would put people off from joining or getting involved? Knocking on doors is hard work and these distractions could stop us winning in 2029.
"As a party, we will face many challenges over the next few years but we are doing our best to put us in contention at the next election. To win an election we need members, volunteers, candidates and donors - Nigel is making sure all of the above is in hand. Our membership is growing at a rapid rate, money is starting to come in and every conference we do is sold out within 48 hours.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Nigel Farage breaks silence after Musk makes surprise demand for Reform UK leader to be replaced
- Elon Musk slams Farage for 'not having what it takes' as he claims Reform UK 'needs a NEW leader'
- Home Office officials spent £10k of taxpayer money on ONE meal at 'extravagant' London restaurant
"Nigel put his faith in me and I will put my faith in him. We have the momentum, we have a plan and we have a man who can lead us to victory. Get behind us, put your trust in Nigel and Reform UK and together we will take our country back."
Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe added his support, writing: "More awareness has been raised around the rape and abuse of thousands of vulnerable British girls in the last few days than has ever happened before. As a country, this is a conversation we needed to have. It shames our political class that it has taken a man of Elon Musks influence to drag this into the light.
"This is where the focus should remain, not elsewhere - swift and brutal justice for those responsible.
"Tommy Robinsons role in exposing these gangs should be acknowledged. He is not right for Reform, but I do think that his efforts in revealing these heinous crimes should not be overlooked.
"I thank Elon for his kind comments. I just want to do what is right for my constituency and my country - that is my only interest.
"Nigel is leader of Reform. He made Brexit happen, and for that I will always be grateful. I look forward to working with Nigel and the entire team to continue to hold this incompetent Labour Party to account, democratise our own party, win the next election and form a Reform Government.
"A power from outside the existing political establishment is the ONLY way to achieve the change this country so desperately needs."
Reform UK Chairman Zia Yusuf also stepped forward to defend Farage, while acknowledging his respect for Musk.
He wrote on X: "As a tech entrepreneur, I consider Elon Musk to be, by some distance, the greatest entrepreneur of all time.
"I will be forever grateful for all he has done and will do for humanity. My views on this are unchanged.
"I respectfully but firmly disagree with his assessment here. No politician has done more for the British people over the last three decades than Nigel Farage.
"He has doubtless been the most impactful British politician of our lifetimes. He has a unique and unmatched understanding of the British electorate because he loves the British people.
"That's why despite not even being an MP seven months ago, he is now the bookmakers favourite to be the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
"The joke is often made that politicians say 'here are my principles, and if you don't like them, I have others.'
"Nigel is the embodiment of the opposite of this. He stands up for his principles even when there is a real cost for doing so. Thats the only time that it matters. He does what is right, not what is expedient.
"Thats why I'm incredibly proud to work for him, why I give all my time as a volunteer to make him the next Prime Minister.
"His willingness to stand up for his principles is the key ingredient.
"I hope maybe one day Musk will ultimately come to respect that.
"Nigel is Britain's only hope to undo the damage that has been done to this great country, and return it to greatness. Thats exactly what he will do as Prime Minister."
Find Out More...