Keir Starmer’s 2025 did not start as expected. On New Year’s Day, Elon Musk unleashed a barrage of angry posts targeting the British Prime Minister, leading to a public clash that has escalated in recent days. According to the reports of Leaders team, Musk’s allegations have touched on sensitive issues, including the grooming gang scandal, and his calls for the release of Tommy Robinson, a controversial far-right figure, have added fuel to the fire.
The tech billionaire has made over 50 posts on X, focusing on child abuse cases in the UK. Musk has demanded the removal of Starmer and his safeguarding minister, calling for new elections, and even proposed that King Charles III unilaterally dissolve parliament, a move that could lead to a constitutional crisis. This public outburst is not Musk’s first in European politics. As Trump’s inauguration looms, Musk’s influence has extended into European affairs, frequently supporting far-right leaders and openly criticizing the European Union.
Musk’s interest in UK politics now presents a delicate challenge for British leaders, especially as he champions the populist party Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. Farage, who had been courting Musk’s financial backing, was recently sidelined by Musk after he failed to endorse Musk’s support for Robinson. Musk’s actions have already put pressure on the UK government, forcing Starmer to balance his relationship with Musk while avoiding further online antagonism.
Although some British MPs dismiss Musk’s attacks as a distraction, others question why the UK is being targeted, especially when no elections are imminent. While Starmer’s Labour government is relatively stable, as per the sources of Leaders team, the constant barrage of Musk’s accusations is proving difficult to ignore. Musk’s criticism of Starmer’s record on grooming gangs, which includes calling for the imprisonment of the Prime Minister’s safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, has drawn significant attention.
Some Labour MPs argue that Musk’s online campaigns must be recognized, especially as social media manipulation plays an increasingly significant role in shaping public opinion. However, the UK’s special relationship with the United States complicates matters. With the incoming Trump administration, maintaining positive relations with Musk, who has supported Trump, could be crucial for future diplomatic and economic dealings.
Meanwhile, Musk’s growing involvement with European politics has not gone unnoticed. In Germany, he’s been accused of meddling in the country’s upcoming elections by supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a group associated with extreme ideologies. His influence is also felt in Italy, where he has faced criticism for interfering with national politics.
Musk’s backing of Robinson has particularly resonated with the UK’s far-right community. Robinson, who is currently imprisoned for contempt of court, has been a divisive figure. While Musk hails him as a hero, figures like Farage are reluctant to fully align with Robinson due to his criminal conviction. Musk’s endorsement of Robinson, and his subsequent fallout with Farage, highlights the risks Musk brings to the UK’s political landscape.
For politicians across Britain’s ideological spectrum, Musk presents both an opportunity and a threat. His influence in the UK is undeniable, but his far-right leanings and controversial stances could alienate large segments of the population. Farage, in particular, faces the challenge of leveraging Musk’s support while avoiding the negative consequences of aligning too closely with extreme figures like Robinson.
Starmer, meanwhile, must navigate the tricky waters of balancing his government’s relationship with the US while managing Musk’s growing influence. The Prime Minister has refrained from directly confronting Musk but must eventually take a stronger stand to protect his ministers and safeguard the reputation of his government.
