A potential £80million donation from Elon Musk to Reform UK could be “rocket fuel” that would “change the face of British politics”, according to GB News host Martin Daubney.
The comments come amid growing speculation that the world’s richest man is preparing to make a significant financial contribution to Nigel Farage’s political party.
The rumoured donation would dwarf current political funding in British politics, with all UK parties combined receiving just £55m in donations during the second quarter of 2024’s general election campaign.
Nigel Farage recently told The Times he was “in touch” with Musk and that the tech billionaire was “very supportive” of his policy positions.
Christopher Hope suggested Musk could navigate this through UK-based channels.
GB News
The Tesla CEO has already demonstrated his willingness to make substantial political donations, having spent over £160m supporting Donald Trump’s successful re-election campaign.
Musk recently responded to a social media post claiming “Reform will win the next election” with a simple “Yes”, though it remains unclear whether this was an endorsement or prediction.
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Speaking about the possible funding, Daubney said: “This is rocket fuel. This could this could change the face of British politics.
“The Telegraph already said today that if this goes ahead, it could make Nigel Farage the most powerful man in British politics.”
The potential donation would represent less than 0.03 per cent of Musk’s net worth but would exceed the current campaign spending limit of £34m for parties contesting all constituencies.
GB News political editor Christopher Hope noted that Labour would be wary of attempting to block such donations.
Elon Musk has backed Nigel Farage and Reform UK in recent monthsPA / Reuters
He explained: “Labour know jolly well if they start to freeze off support for Reform UK and for Musk, it may damage their own big donations from unions and the like.
“So that’s not going to happen. It is not quite greenlight for Musk, but Musk would need to pass the legal tests in the UK.”
British election law prohibits donations from foreign citizens, but Hope suggested Musk could navigate this through UK-based channels.
Martin was confident about the possibility: “You’re not telling me that a guy whose mission is to occupy Mars, can’t get around the Electoral Commission’s rules.”
Martin said that this could “change the face of British politics”
GB News
He added that Musk’s grandmother was born in Liverpool, suggesting potential avenues for establishing UK connections.
Should Musk proceed with the rumoured donation, it could significantly boost Reform UK’s electoral prospects.
The funding would enable the party to “saturate the airwaves” and strengthen its ground operations across the country.
This could help Reform UK convert more of its current vote share into parliamentary seats at the next general election, which must be held by 2029.
“We both share a friendship with Donald Trump and Trump has said good things about me in front of Musk. We’ve got a good relationship with him,” Farage told The Times.
When asked if Musk was planning to help him, Farage responded: “That’s what friends are for.”