Elon Musk donation talks with Reform UK raise questions about rules

The world’s disruptor-in-chief, Elon Musk, meets with the UK’s political disruptor-in-chief, Nigel Farage.

And subsequently Reform UK publishes news photos, of course, to take a look at these photos.

But they are much more than that, as they constitute the clearest evidence yet of the world’s richest man’s desire to get involved – to interfere, as some see it – in politics British.

There’s another way to describe the photos of three men at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, Florida, residence: two billionaires and Farage.

Farage had a very rich man at his side when he met someone even richer.

Reform UK’s new treasurer is Nick Candy, a billionaire real estate developer who donated to conservatives and who is also married to former pop star Holly Valance.

But Candy is a pauper compared to Musk, the serial entrepreneurial disruptor in business with his rockets, electric cars and social media platforms, who is now doing the same in politics.

Farage is the master of intrigue-laden political storytelling that keeps people interested.

This time it was eye-catching images and a teasing but not entirely direct response about donating.

The money was discussed, we are not told how much, we do not know for sure if it will ever happen and if it will produce a result, but the next chapter has been followed – Trump’s inauguration next month, of which Farage will be president. to assist.

The British Reform leader, now back from Florida, told me that the suggestion that Musk could give his party $100 million (£78 million) was wildly exaggerated.

But a figure much smaller than that could still be very important and a game-changer for the Reform Party’s prospects.

The question is whether this would be legal – and whether it would be considered legitimate.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Fair Elections says no and wants the law to be changed.

Downing Street says the government is committed to tightening the rules, which currently allow donations from UK-registered companies.

The danger for the government is that any change to the law could look like self-interest and changing the rules of the game along the way.

But never before have we seen a man so rich, with such a big megaphone, so enthusiastic about strutting his stuff on the political stage – abroad and at home.

This raises profound questions about the degree of influence and where too much influence comes from too far away.

And here’s a thought experiment for you: Is your own instinct in how you answer these questions driven primarily by what you think of Farage and Musk, or by the principle of foreign donations?

Former Conservative MP Miriam Cates wrote on X: “Now imagine… a photo of Bill Gates with Keir Starmer, promising to support Labor. You are either for or against foreign interference in British politics. you agree or like the billionaire involved.

Farage will return across the Atlantic in a few weeks to celebrate Trump’s return to the White House.

During this latest visit, he also took a photo with United States Vice President-elect JD Vance.

The British reform leader has friends in high places and friends with deep pockets.

No wonder he has Labor, the Conservatives and others worried about the political threat they fear he increasingly poses to them.