Chris Mason: Elon Musk donation talks with Reform UK increase questions over guidelines

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

And subsequently, Reform UK publishes news-making, cor blimey, take-a-look-at-this photographs.

However they’re greater than that, for they’re probably the most clear-cut proof but of the richest man on the planet’s want to become involved in – meddle in, as some see it – British politics.

There may be one other approach of describing the images of three males at Donald Trump’s pad, Mar-a-Lago, in Florida: two billionaires and Farage.

Farage had one mega wealthy man alongside him when assembly somebody even richer.

Reform UK’s new Treasurer is Nick Sweet, a billionaire property developer who used to donate to the Conservatives and who, by the way, is married to the previous pop star Holly Valance.

However Sweet is a pauper in contrast with Musk, the serial entrepreneurial disruptor in enterprise along with his rockets, electrical automobiles and social media platform, now doing the identical in politics.

Farage is the grasp of political storytelling freighted with an intrigue that retains individuals .

This time it was all about eye-catching imagery and a teasing however not precisely straight reply a couple of donation.

Cash was mentioned, we aren’t informed how a lot, we do not know for sure if it’s going to ever occur and if it does what it should quantity to, however the subsequent chapter was trailed – Trump’s inauguration subsequent month, which Farage might be attending.

The Reform UK chief, now again from Florida, informed me the suggestion Musk may give his social gathering $100m (£78m) was wildly excessive.

However a quantity a lot smaller than that would nonetheless be very huge, and game-changing for Reform’s prospects.

The query is whether or not it might be authorized – and whether or not it might be seen as reputable.

The All Celebration Parliamentary Group on Honest Elections says it would not and desires the legislation modified.

Downing Avenue says the federal government has dedicated to strengthening the foundations, which at the moment permit donations from UK registered firms.

The hazard for the federal government is any change within the legislation may appear like self-interest and altering the foundations of the sport half approach by way of.

However by no means earlier than have we seen a person as wealthy, with a megaphone as giant, so enthused about strutting the political stage – overseas in addition to at house.

That poses profound questions on how a lot affect and from the place is judged to be an excessive amount of affect from too far-off.

And here’s a thought experiment for you: is your individual intuition in the way you reply these questions pushed primarily by what you consider Farage and Musk, or in regards to the precept of international donations?

The previous Conservative MP Miriam Cates wrote on X: “Now think about…an image of Invoice Gates with Keir Starmer, pledging help for the Labour Celebration. You’re both for or in opposition to international interference in British politics. It could possibly’t simply depend upon whether or not you agree with or like the person billionaire involved.”

Farage might be again throughout the Atlantic in just a few weeks to toast Trump’s return to the White Home.

On this newest go to he additionally managed a photograph with the US Vice President Elect, JD Vance.

The Reform UK chief has buddies in excessive locations and buddies with deep pockets.

Little surprise he’s inflicting Labour, the Conservatives and others to stress in regards to the political risk they concern he more and more poses to them.