Who is Rupert Lowe? From unpopular football chairman to Musk’s candidate to lead Reform after Farage fallout

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Elon Musk called for Nigel Farage to be replaced as Reform UK leader - and has since appeared to endorse Rupert Lowe, the Great Yarmouth MP, as his possible successor. Reform UK needs a new leader, Mr Musk said on X on Sunday, before adding: “Farage doesn’t have what it takes.” Hours later, Mr Musk said: “I have not met Rupert Lowe but his statements online that I have read so far make a lot of sense.” open image in gallery Four of the Reform UK MPs Richard Tice, Nigel Farage, Lee Anderson, Rupert Lowe It comes as the Tesla and SpaceX owner reportedly considers offering financial backing to Reform UK in the run-up to the next UK general election. “It shows that people have had enough, they want change, they want better government and they want freedom.” open image in gallery Rupert Lowe speaks at the Reform UK 2024 conference Shortly after his election, Mr Lowe said he had compiled a list of schools in his constituency where he claimed teachers had been pushing negative views about Reform UK. It has been a relatively short journey into Whitehall for Mr Lowe, who first entered politics in 2019, becoming an MEP for the Brexit Party – which later evolved to become Reform UK.