Nigel Farage rejects calls for him to be replaced by Norfolk MP

The Reform leader has hit back at calls for a Norfolk MP to replace him as head of the party, saying he does “not see him as a threat”.

Nigel Farage has defended his leadership after it was thrown into question this week, with tech tycoon Elon Musk making a shock U-turn on his previous support for the Clacton MP.

Musk called for him to be replaced, saying he “does not have what it takes”.

Instead, the billionaire appeared to endorse Rupert Lowe, MP for Great Yarmouth, saying “his statements online that I have read so far make a lot of sense” in a response to a post on X (Twitter) that asked whether he should take over the top job.

But despite Musk’s snub and praise for his Reform counterpart, Mr Farage is confident his position is secure.

He said: “Rupert is doing well but I do not see him as a threat.

“Reform is making huge progress. If Elon Musk does not want to be on that journey with us, that is up to him.”

Reform has been courting a friendship with Musk, one of the world’s richest men, for several weeks and he is reportedly considering donating $1m (£780,000) to the party.

But this weekend his support for Mr Farage appears to have waned.

It is thought this change of heart has been prompted by a disagreement over the billionaire’s support for far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, who was jailed in October after admitting contempt of court by repeating false claims against a Syrian refugee.

Mr Farage has attempted to distance himself, and his party, from the controversial figure.

Mr Lowe has refused to say whether he would be interested in becoming leader of Reform if the opportunity arose, instead throwing his support behind Mr Farage.

In a statement on X, he said: “Nigel is the leader of Reform. I thank Elon for his kind comments. I just want to do what is right for my constituency and my country – that’s my only interest.”