UK Politics: Elon Musk's Potential Donation Sparks Fears Over Foreign Influence
LONDON (AP) — A photo taken at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida has sent shockwaves through British politics, suggesting that Elon Musk could soon turn his attention to the UK.
The image shows Musk flanked by Nigel Farage and a wealthy backer, in front of a gilt-framed painting of a young Donald Trump. It was taken this week and suggests that Musk, a key player in the incoming U.S. administration, may be planning a significant donation to Farage's party Reform U.K.
Reform U.K.'s Ties to UK Politics
Founded in 2021, Reform U.K. is the latest in a string of small hard-right parties led by Farage that have had limited electoral success but an outsized influence on British politics.
The party won just five seats in the House of Commons in July's election but came second in dozens more and secured 14% of the vote. Now it is pushing for fast growth, trying to professionalize its organization and recruit new members.
Concerns Over Foreign Influence
Britain has strict limits on how much political parties can spend on elections, but they can accept unlimited donations as long as the donors are U.K. voters or companies registered in Britain.
Critics say that is a loophole that allows foreign influence in U.K. politics. The voting watchdog, the Electoral Commission, is calling for changes including limiting the amount a company can donate so it can't put in more money than it earns in Britain.
The commission's chief executive, Vijay Rangarajan, said: “It's crucial that U.K. voters have trust in the financing of our political system. The system needs strengthening, and we have been calling for changes to the law since 2013, to protect the electoral system from foreign interference.”
Labour Party Pledges Changes
The Labour Party has pledged to change Britain's election finance laws after reports of the potential $100 million donation from Elon Musk.
Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "We will not let a handful of billionaires shape our country's future. We need a fair and transparent system, where everyone can participate and have their voices heard.”
Concerns Over Social Media Influence
The electoral power of social media was on show recently in Romania, where far-right candidate Călin Georgescu came from nowhere to win the first round of the presidential election in November, aided in part by a flood of TikTok videos promoting his campaign.
Amid allegations that Russia had organized the social media campaign to back Georgescu, Romania's Constitutional Court canceled the presidential election runoff two days before it was due to take place.
Reform U.K.'s Plans for Fast Growth
Farage told GB News that Musk has already given him considerable help in understanding the process from start to finish and reaching disaffected communities who feel there's no point voting for anybody.
The party aims to emulate Trump's success in using the power of personality and social media to reach young men, traditionally less likely to turn out at election time.
Professor Warns of Disruptive Potential
Rob Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester, said a big donation from Musk could have "disruptive potential in all sorts of ways." He added: “It's certainly adding a new joker to the pack of cards in British politics.”
A Long Shot?
That's a long shot, but Ford said a big donation from Musk could give Reform U.K. the opportunity to try and build up a serious campaign organization, which is something that they have generally lacked.