Former Reform UK deputy leader Ben Habib has said he would consider taking over leadership of the party after Elon Musk called for Nigel Farage to be replaced.
Speaking on GB News, Habib said: “I would consider it [Reform UK leadership]. I would be steadfast in campaigning for people who campaign for Reform and vote for Reform.”
He added: “In the pursuit of perhaps sanitising Reform, I think to a significant extent, Nigel Farage is turning his back on the people who created Reform in the first place.”
The Tesla tycoon made his dramatic intervention on X, declaring: “The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage doesn’t have what it takes.”
Tommy Robinson’s X admin said Ben Habib should be the Reform leader
GB NEWS
The statement comes as a blow to Nigel, who had been meeting with Musk at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago mansion alongside Reform treasurer Nick Candy just weeks ago.
The discussions had centred around the party’s ground game and financing ahead of the next general election.
Nigel Farage
GB NEWS
Musk’s criticism appears to stem from Nigel’s refusal to back calls for the release of Tommy Robinson from prison.
After Musk shared a “free Tommy Robinson” message on X, Nigel distanced himself from the campaign, saying: “He’s not what we need.”
Farage explained: “He 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.”
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is currently serving an 18-month sentence.
Ben Habib joined Nana Akua on GB News
GB NEWS
Just hours before Musk’s statement, Farage had praised the billionaire on the BBC as a “hero figure, especially for the youth.”
The Reform leader had suggested Musk’s support made the party “look cool” and helped attract younger supporters.
There had been speculation about a potential $100 million donation from Musk to Reform UK.
However, Nigel had downplayed the size of any potential contribution, telling the BBC: “He may well give us money. Whether he does or not, I think what he gives us with huge numbers of young people, he makes us look cool.”
Habib’s potential leadership bid comes after his dramatic departure from Reform UK last year, where he previously served as deputy leader.
The split was acrimonious, with Nigel Farage telling GB News in November that Habib’s exit was a “huge relief.”
In his GB News appearance, Habib stressed his vision for the party’s future, saying: “You need to do both. You need to take new voters in to win the next election.”
