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Conservative shadow minister Andrew Griffiths has urged Elon Musk to take another look at the Tories before donating to Reform UK, highlighting his party's low-tax and anti-wake credentials.

According to Farage, the tech billionaire discussed the idea of ​​donating to Reform UK during a meeting with party leader Nigel Farage and its new treasurer Nick Candy at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on Monday.

The prospect of a big donation from the world's richest man to Farage's populist far-right party has raised concerns among the Conservatives, who fear being overtaken by Reform UK at the next general election.

It also comes as Britain's election watchdog makes the case for changes to UK law to protect the electoral system from foreign interference.

Griffith described Musk as a "hugely talented businessman" interested in the UK, who was concerned about issues such as freedom of speech, or what he called the "Wake Mind Virus".

“I will say [Musk] Or for Nick, look at what the Conservative Party is doing,” Griffith told the Financial Times in an interview on Wednesday.

He argued that the Tories were the best vehicle for opposition to Sir Keir Starmer's Labor government.

"If you're really serious about opposing this socialist government, which many people see as a threat to free speech, really, you know, take a good look at the whole menu before jumping into any one particular course, " said Griffith.

The shadow business secretary emphasized his role when he was minister for the City of London last year, helping people, including Farage, who said they were refused bank accounts because of their political views. was gone

He also pointed to Tory leader Kimmy Badenoch's criticism of the now closed NHS Tavistock clinic for child gender identification in London.

The prospect of Musk backing Reform UK came into focus this week as he, Farage and former Tory donor and property tycoon Candy were photographed together at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence.

Farage posted the photo on Musk's X platform on Tuesday with the comment: "Britain needs reform." Musk replied: "Absolutely."

Griffith declined to comment on whether he actively wanted Musk, a key Trump aide, to donate to the Conservative Party instead, saying that was not part of his role.

But the shadow business secretary said he had been speaking to senior figures in the incoming Trump administration and shared his views on calling for taxpayers' money to be spent more wisely.

"I'm not going to pretend I was going to Mar-a-Lago and tweeting about it, but I spent a week in Washington talking to people in and around the potential administration and on government efficiency. What's going to happen," Griffith added. .

Also on Wednesday, a spokesman for Badenoch said the Tory leader was "a huge fan of Elon Musk and what he did with X".

Badenoch supported the idea of ​​a British version of "Doge," Trump's planned department of government efficiency that would be led by Musk, his spokesman added. The aim of the Advisory Unit is to reduce bureaucracy.

Badenoch "believes there is too much regulation and too often our first response has been more government", his spokesman said.

He did not put a figure on the amount Badenoch would spend under the UK's efficiency programme, but said: "There is fat to trim."

According to experts, Musk is expected to have the ability to donate to Reform UK or another British political party.

This is because, while UK law prohibits foreigners from donating directly to British political parties, the rules allow donations by companies as long as they are registered and incorporated in the UK. and do business in the country. Musk has UK business interests, such as the British Arm of X.

The Electoral Commission said on Wednesday it was in talks with the government about changing the law on donations by British companies to ensure that only profits can be donated to parties in the UK. However, Downing Street indicated that no reform was imminent.

Meanwhile, Downing Street declined to comment on Musk's vocal opposition to Starmer.

A spokesman for the prime minister said Starmer was "very clear that we look forward to working with President Trump and his entire administration".