Elon Musk donation rumours swirl as Reform UK leader eyes major electoral upset

Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf has made an audacious prediction, claiming the party could win between 350 and 400 seats at the next general election, a result that would fundamentally reshape British politics.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Political Thinking podcast, Yusuf expressed confidence in the party’s meteoric rise, following a historic YouGov poll that placed Reform at 25%, edging ahead of Labour on 24% and the Conservatives on 21%. The polling company noted that the one-point lead remains within the margin of error, but the surge has already sent shockwaves through Westminster.

Adding to the intrigue, Yusuf addressed speculation over a potential Elon Musk donation, after the billionaire met Reform leader Nigel Farage in December. He acknowledged concerns but insisted the party would “play by the rules”, stating: “If he was to make a donation and it was within the rules and it helped us win, then why not?”

Reform’s recent rise has put immense pressure on the Conservatives, with Yusuf even suggesting former Home Secretary Suella Braverman would be welcomed into the party. “If Suella wanted to join Reform UK? Yeah, absolutely,” he said, hinting at potential defections.

With Reform UK continuing to gain momentum, political observers now wonder—could Britain be on the brink of a political revolution?

THE INDEPENDENT

A third of Conservative voters from the 2024 election have shifted to Reform UK, according to a new Techne UK poll for The Independent. Reform, led by Nigel Farage, is now joint top with Labour at 25%, while the Tories trail at 23%. A separate FindOutNow poll puts Reform at 29%, ahead of Labour (25%) and the Conservatives (18%).

The surge in support for Reform appears to be pressuring Kemi Badenoch’s Conservatives into taking a harder stance on immigration. Meanwhile, Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s chairman, is seen as instrumental in the party’s rise. The latest polling reinforces the shift towards three-party politics in the UK, with the Tories squeezed between Labour and Farage’s growing influence. These numbers raise fresh speculation about a potential Tory-Reform merger, an idea supported by many Conservative voters but resisted by Badenoch.

POLITICO

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has surged ahead of Labour in a YouGov poll, marking the first time the party has taken the lead in national polling. Reform now stands at 25%, up two points, while Labour has dropped to 24%. The Conservatives continue to slide, falling to 21%.

This dramatic shift signals growing discontent with both Keir Starmer’s government and Kemi Badenoch’s leadership. Nearly a quarter of 2024 Tory voters have switched to Reform, and 43% of Conservatives now favour merging with Farage’s party.

Although the next election isn’t due until 2029, the poll will worry No.10, given Labour’s landslide just months ago. Farage’s net favourability rating has improved, surpassing Badenoch’s, reinforcing his growing influence. With Britain’s political landscape rapidly shifting, the battle between Labour, Reform, and the Tories is intensifying.