Nigel Farage has hit back at Elon Musk after the billionaire suggested that Reform UK needs a new leader.
Mr Musk said on X that Mr Farage “doesn’t have what it takes” this afternoon.
The Reform UK leader reposted the post, stating: “Well, this is a surprise! Elon is a remarkable individual but on this I am afraid I disagree.
“My view remains that Tommy Robinson is not right for Reform and I never sell out my principles.”
It comes after Mr Farage distanced himself from Elon Musk after he expressed support for the jailed far-right activist, Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who is also known as Tommy Robinson.
He was jailed in October after admitting contempt of court by repeating false claims against a Syrian refugee.
In December, Mr Farage confirmed that talks were underway about the possibility of Mr Musk making a donation to Reform UK.
It was reported that this could be as much as $100 million (£79million).
A photo was also shared of the two men, as well as Reform UK’s treasurer Nick Candy, at US President-elect Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
This was taken after an hour-long meeting at the resort.
Reform UK members have signalled their support for Mr Farage after Mr Musk’s intervention this afternoon.
The party’s regional organiser for Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham, Mark G Simpson, said: “We are fully behind you Nigel, we will keep going!”
Reform UK’s Chairman, Zia Yusuf, and the party’s deputy leader, Richard Tice MP, have both reposted Mr Farage’s post.
The party’s MP for Ashfield, Lee Anderson, has previously said that Yaxley-Lennon would not be welcome in Reform UK.
Mr Farage told GB News: “We’re a political party aiming to win the next general election. He’s not what we need.”
Mr Anderson wrote on X: “I would not welcome Tommy Robinson into Reform UK.”