Reform UK would be 'delighted' to accept donations from Elon Musk

Reform UK would be "delighted" to accept donations from billionaire Elon Musk, according to its deputy leader Richard Tice. 

He told Sky News political correspondent Serena Barker-Singh Mr Musk recognises Reform is "the party of common sense".

His comments come days after Reform UK's treasurer revealed he had spoken to Elon Musk.

There had previously been suggestions the tech tycoon could make a multi-million-pound donation to the party.

"Frankly, both Nick [Candy, Reform UK treasurer] and Mr Musk recognise that we're the party of common sense that can get the United Kingdom back on track," said Mr Tice.

"Whether it's with regard to immigration, whether it's with regard to growing the economy by having smart regulations, not daft regulations by cutting taxes and by cutting the vast amounts of wasteful, incompetent public sector spending."

Labour is reportedly considering capping political donations and pledged to "protect democracy by strengthening the rules around donations to political parties" in its manifesto.

Mr Tice was sceptical that the restrictions would actually materialise but said if Mr Musk was legally able to donate to Reform, the party would accept.

Under current rules, donations of more than £500 to UK political parties have to come from individuals and businesses that are UK-based or registered.

"Obviously we'd be delighted," he said.

"It would be a fantastic endorsement of our policies to save Britain and get Britain going again."

However, Conservative Party co-chair Lord Johnson said Nigel Farage risked becoming a "puppet of a foreign politician" if he accepted any donations from Mr Musk.

Mr Musk has denied the rumours about a potential £80m donation but has expressed support for Reform UK on his X social media platform.

Read more from Sky News:
Syrians celebrate 'Victory Day'
US charges N Koreans in ID theft case

He replied "yes" to a post suggesting the party will win the next general election.

Party leader Mr Farage also denied reports Mr Musk could donate £80m and called it a "story without any basis in fact".

"Elon Musk is very supportive of what Reform is trying to do, supportive of me personally. And we've got the connections with him, and Nick's got good connections with him as well," he said.

"He's giving us political support. We have, at this stage, neither solicited or been offered donations."

(c) Sky News 2024: Reform UK would be 'delighted' to accept donations from Elon Musk