UK Ministers Resist Blocking Elon Musk's Potential $100 Million Donation to Nigel Farage's Reform UK

Dec 22, 2024, 08:47 AM

Ministers are resisting calls to block potential donations from Elon Musk to Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, amid concerns that changing the rules could play into the hands of the populist party. The government fears that any move to curb donations from the tech billionaire could be portrayed as an attempt to sabotage Reform UK. Current UK election laws prohibit direct donations from foreign nationals, but allow contributions through UK-based companies. Musk, who met with Farage at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, is reportedly considering a donation of up to $100 million to Reform UK. The government has no immediate plans to alter the donation laws but has a manifesto commitment to review the elections regime. Labour has promised to introduce changes to ensure the integrity of the electoral system, though insiders suggest reforms are not likely until the end of next year at the earliest.