Elon Musk explores moves to unseat Starmer before next UK elections, FT reports

Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk has held private discussions with allies about how British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer could be unseated before the next general election, according to a report by The Financial Times.

Musk, the world’s richest man and key confidant of US president-elect Donald Trump, is probing how he and his right-wing allies can destabilise the UK Labour government beyond the aggressive posts he has issued on his social media platform X, the people briefed on the matter said, according to FT.

“His view is that western civilisation itself is threatened,” one of the people added.

Some associates reported that Musk sought information about whether it might be possible to gather support for alternative British political movements— notably the rightwing populist Reform UK party — to effect a change in the British leadership.

Musk looks to Reform UK but wants to replace Nigel Farage

The billionaire’s focus has shifted to the Reform UK party, a right-wing populist group experiencing a surge in support.

Opinion polls suggest 22% of the public back the party, up from 14% in July, putting it close behind the Labour Party at 28% and the Conservatives at 24%.

However, over the weekend Musk shockingly distanced himself from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, and declared that Farage “doesn’t have what it takes” to lead the party effectively.

Instead, Musk is reportedly exploring potential replacements, including MP Rupert Lowe, and enquired about mechanisms to replace Farage, people in the know said.

Farage, while downplaying the fallout, has emphasized his intention to maintain ties with Musk, signaling his continued presence in UK politics despite Musk's criticisms.

Musk's criticisms of Starmer’s record escalate

Musk’s critique of Starmer has intensified in recent weeks, particularly regarding the handling of grooming scandals in UK towns.

Musk accused Starmer, a former director of public prosecutions, of being “complicit” in systemic failures related to child sexual exploitation.

Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips was also targeted, with Musk calling her a “rape genocide apologist.”

Starmer rejected Musk’s allegations, accusing those spreading misinformation of prioritizing personal agendas over victims.

Phillips, in turn, stated that Musk’s attacks have endangered her life, adding a personal dimension to the unfolding controversy.

Matt Goodwin, a rightwing political commentator, said Musk — and other Americans — had become “fascinated” by the grooming gangs scandal in the UK over the past week in part because “it’s so horrific”. 

But he said he also believed it was because Musk has “an instinctive distrust of the Labour government and Keir Starmer”.

Labour responds: Starmer stands firm

Amid Musk’s growing criticism, Labour leader Keir Starmer remains defiant.

He said on Monday that those “spreading lies and misinformation” were not interested in victims but rather “themselves”.

Phillips accused Musk of endangering her life.

Musk’s foray into UK politics raises questions about the influence of global billionaires in domestic political systems.

With Reform UK emerging as a stronger player and Musk’s criticism of Labour intensifying, the road to the next general election could be shaped by an unusual mix of transatlantic power and populist rhetoric.

The Labour government’s response to these challenges will be crucial in defining its political resilience and ability to counter external destabilization efforts.