Musk has found also found common ground around this scandal with Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Both claim that an epidemic of sexual violence is being driven by immigrants from majority-Muslim countries and their descendants.

Musk “has a whole range of opinions, some of which I agree with very strongly, and others [about] which I’m more reticent,” Farage said on Friday.

In response to Musk’s Sunday call to stand down, Farage tweeted: “Well, this is a surprise! Elon is a remarkable individual, but on this I am afraid I disagree.”

Reveling in the online discussion he stoked regarding Reform’s leadership, Musk responded to a post asking if MP Rupert Lowe should take over as Reform leader: “I have not met Rupert Lowe, but his statements online that I have read so far make a lot of sense.”

Speculation has been rife that Musk, the world’s richest man, could make a significant financial intervention into U.K. politics. In the November 2024 American election, which saw Donald Trump win, Musk gained the president-elect’s ear and an advisory role on a major government shake-up.

Musk’s claim that Reform would be better off without Farage — under whose leadership the party has seen electoral and political success — would seem to negate any injection of cash.