Ben Habib has left Reform Party Ltd.

Mmm very interesting. Be one to watch.

I'm concerned about Musk. He has the power to interfere with our political system, he spreads fake news on X and can buy lots of access to other media. Surely even those who are supporters of Reform don't want Musk as the puppeteer behind Farage?

Where is the evidence for that though.
How is this suggestion any different to misinformation.
I have no idea if it is true or not but the source seems to be 'suggestions online'

I read that he had gone too but for different reasons.

The media are certainly quiet on this.

Doesn't bother me much. Reform will implode soon.

The row seems to have been going on for some time since Habib was replaced as co-deputy at the top following the election of Tice as an MP.

Its very hard to get information on him because of paywalls. This u tube video has Habib speaking up.
He seems popular but in the video speaks about democratisation of Reform plc as being the overwhelming issue. He's totally against it remaining a limited company and has been speaking up on it since the election . "We must democratise" "Farage wants to be in total control" and so on. He's been asking for this all along (ie turn onto a political party).

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuPQ3RFylgo

Yes I am very concerned abut the shadowy links between Farage and Elon Musk.

Good for Ben Habib. He has too much sense, and integrity, to work for long with Farage.

The only reason I thought Reform was a realistic alternative party was that Ben Habib seemed the voice of reason. Without Habib, the snake oil merchant is back in charge so I don’t know that Reform Ltd will make it to the next election.

Farage had forbidden local branches to invite/speak to Habib, he is very bitter and dismissive. I'm always wondering why we never seem to hear from Tice.

Does Farage have a God complex?

We really liked Ben Habib, best person in Reform

foxie48

I'm concerned about Musk. He has the power to interfere with our political system, he spreads fake news on X and can buy lots of access to other media. Surely even those who are supporters of Reform don't want Musk as the puppeteer behind Farage?

Taking his money will boost Reform’s coffers up to the level of the 2 main parties. I have no problem with that. A higher profile will boost their chances at the next GE. If voters don’t like what they offer they won’t vote for them.

I really like Ben Habib. Sadly the constituents where he was standing in the GE didn’t, hence he wasn’t elected as their MP. Democracy at work.

ronib

Does Farage have a God complex?

No.
He explained to Habib that Reform needed a Deputy as an MP in the HoC, hence Tice was selected.

A lot of the comments on the U tube video with Ben Habib that I referenced above agreed with that, M61. Farage is a strange leader in a parliamentary democracy, never holding surgeries.
What is he trying to build, a political party or a one man band with "followers". (to do what, one asks)

FriedGreenTomatoes2

ronib

Does Farage have a God complex?

No.
He explained to Habib that Reform needed a Deputy as an MP in the HoC, hence Tice was selected.

That wasn't unreasonable in and of itself, I agree, but it is clear there were some fundamental differences as towards staying a PLC as opposed to building a proper political party and it does seem that Farage was out to sideline Habib from the outset.

Ah, I understand now Wyllow. Apologies ronib.
I agree it’s time to change the format.

And we have the extraordinary and to me bizarre situation where the leader in parliament of ReformUK is paid for regular TV appearances to put his POV - imagine it being "OK" for Starmer or Badenoch to be paid to broadcast in this way?

FriedGreenTomatoes2

Ah, I understand now Wyllow. Apologies ronib.
I agree it’s time to change the format.

Yes, that would be the proper thing to do.

Wyllow3

And we have the extraordinary and to me bizarre situation where the leader in parliament of ReformUK is paid for regular TV appearances to put his POV - imagine it being "OK" for Starmer or Badenoch to be paid to broadcast in this way?

Paid to present GB News AND speak at dubious conferences. He earns more than he does as an MP and I don’t think any MP should be able to undertake paid work such as this.

He’s rarely in Tendering (his constituency) and goodness only knows how he squares this with his conscience.

Any serving MP, irrespective of party politics, should put their constituency first.

Not sure Farage has the character structure to build a party root and branch up, be subject to (and defend) decisions you sometimes don't agree with.
His style has been in the past a one man band with temporary alliances for the purposes of say Brexit, and this time its migration. But ReformUK is weak on policy in all other areas?

Galaxy

Where is the evidence for that though.
How is this suggestion any different to misinformation.
I have no idea if it is true or not but the source seems to be 'suggestions online'

"Elon Musk tipped to give $100m to Nigel Farage in move to shake up British politics"

uk.news.yahoo.com/elon-musk-tipped-100m-nigel-101301072.html

"Elon Musk is reportedly planning to donate $100 million to Nigel Farage in a bid to shake up British politics ahead of the next election.

The Tesla and X (formerly Twitter) boss, who has openly supported Donald Trump in recent months and spoke at a Republican rally, is said to be considering backing the far-right Reform UK party.

Acording to the Times, Musk’s goal could be to help Farage become prime minister.

The billionaire may be able to sidestep overseas donation laws by funneling the £78 million through the UK branch of X, which he owns.

Mr Farage told the Times: “All I can say is that I’m in touch with him and he is very supportive of my policy positions.

“We both share a friendship with Donald Trump and Trump has said good things about me in front of Musk. We’ve got a good relationship with him.”

I believe there have been recent proposals to control MPs being paid by news broadcasters. Quite right too.

My opinion of Farage is no secret, the way Habib has been treated does not surprise me.

As for Musk, he terrifies me.

That may be £100 million straight down the drain for Elon Musk. In GB main thing it can do is promote the party on the media & Reform didn't under-perform in the GE for any lack of coverage. They stood 609 MP's for their 5 MPs last time, haven't checked but assuming they don't contest NI seats that's pretty much most constituencies.
The money might double the number of MPs but 10 MPs won't 'shake up British politics'.

609 candidates