Former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie has launched a passionate defence of Nigel Farage following Elon Musk’s dramatic criticism of the Reform UK leader.
Speaking to GB News, MacKenzie declared: “I absolutely salute Farage. We want change in our country.”
His strong backing comes after the Tesla billionaire and X owner claimed Farage “doesn’t have what it takes” to lead Reform UK.
The unexpected criticism came just hours after Farage had praised Musk as a “hero” in an interview with BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.
Kelvin said that he “salute” the Reform UK leader
GB News
MacKenzie told Patrick Christys: “I absolutely salute Farage. We want change in our country.
“To my mind, our country is not ready for a Tommy Robinson type figure. So this was a brave call by Nigel Farage.
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“It was the correct call and will hurry him into power rather than damaging him in the way that Musk sees it.”
He added: “Trump has gone very quiet. My sense is that he has known Farage now for about 10 or 15 years, perhaps slightly longer.
“If he had that view, I’m sure he would have made that clear to Nigel in the past. He hasn’t said a word since Musk gave his bombshell. I don’t believe for one single second that he’s going to follow the Musk route.
“Therefore, that’s the most important endorsement of the lot. If Trump came out, I would say that actually that would be a very difficult area for Nigel. I don’t believe this is going to happen.
Elon Musk said that Farage does “not have what it takes” to lead the party
NIGEL FARAGE
“I’ve known Farage now for 30 odd years. He is actually a very sensible politician who wants the best for our nation.
“I can’t say that’s the same about Musk. Musk is an enormously successful business person and owns one of the great media empires of the world.”
The public spat appears to centre on disagreements over Tommy Robinson, with Musk supporting the jailed activist’s release while Farage maintains Robinson is “not what we need.”
The rift comes after what appeared to be a budding alliance between the two figures last month.
Elon Musk and Nigel Farage met last month
REFORM
Farage responded to Musk’s criticism with measured disagreement on X.
“Well, this is a surprise! Elon is a remarkable individual but on this I am afraid I disagree,” Farage posted.
He added: “My view remains that Tommy Robinson is not right for Reform and I never sell out my principles.”
Earlier, Farage had acknowledged their differences, stating: “The fact that Musk supports me and supports Reform doesn’t mean as two grown ups, we have to agree with everything the other says.”
