Billionaire property developer Nick Candy pledges to raise millions for reform UK, as Farage’s party intensifies its bid for political power

Reform UK has appointed billionaire property developer Nick Candy as its new treasurer, with the goal of raising substantial funds for the party’s efforts in the upcoming general election. This latest move by Nigel Farage’s party signals its determination to challenge the political establishment, with Candy vowing to donate millions to support the cause.

Candy, known for his property empire alongside his brother Christian, made his fortune through property development. The brothers, who are privately educated, started their business in the 1990s with a modest £6,000 loan from their grandmother. Despite their private nature regarding their wealth, they have described themselves as “self-made billionaires.” Candy’s connections to former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson are also noteworthy, having donated over £270,000 to the party under Johnson’s leadership.

Now, Candy is backing Farage’s bid to lead the country, declaring his belief that the former UKIP leader is the man to bring about the change Britain needs. “I believe Nigel Farage will be the next Prime Minister,” Candy stated confidently at his unveiling in Westminster. Alongside his own substantial financial commitment, Candy has pledged to help raise “tens of millions” for Reform UK, signalling a major push for the party in the run-up to the general election.

Farage’s fundraising ambitions have garnered further attention with reports that Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X (formerly Twitter), has expressed interest in supporting Reform UK. Candy confirmed that he and Musk had exchanged messages following his appointment, although he refrained from discussing any potential donation negotiations. Farage, for his part, welcomed Musk’s support, joking, “If people offer us money legally, we’ll take it.” However, questions have arisen about how Musk, a South African-born US citizen, could legally donate to a UK political party, as only UK-registered entities or individuals are permitted to do so.

Despite the influx of wealthy backers, Farage has rejected claims that Reform UK is becoming a party of billionaires, stressing that the fundraising push is necessary for the party to compete on equal financial footing with the established political forces. “If we do that, we will achieve extraordinary things,” Farage added.

The party has also been gaining valuable political allies. Recently, Tim Montgomerie, a former adviser to Boris Johnson and the founder of the influential Conservative Home website, joined Reform UK. Montgomerie’s defection highlighted his dissatisfaction with the Conservative Party’s approach to immigration, and his move is expected to bolster the party’s credibility.

Despite a rocky history with high-profile defections, Farage appears determined to establish Reform UK as a serious contender. In his previous role as UKIP leader, Farage faced setbacks with figures such as TV personality Robert Kilroy-Silk and former Conservative MPs like Douglas Carswell. However, he has also enjoyed success in attracting wealthy backers, including insurance tycoon Arron Banks, who financed the Brexit campaign.

Reform UK’s current position is one of cautious optimism. The party sits third in national opinion polls, ahead of the Liberal Democrats, and continues to narrow the gap with the two main parties. However, while Reform UK has gained substantial public support, it has struggled to translate this into meaningful political representation. In the 2023 general election, Reform UK garnered over 4 million votes but only secured five seats, while the Liberal Democrats won 3.5 million votes and 72 seats.

Farage is now focused on learning from the successes of the Liberal Democrats, particularly their ability to leverage the first-past-the-post electoral system to secure a strong presence in Westminster. With new party chairman Zia Yusuf overseeing efforts to “professionalise” Reform UK, Farage aims to avoid past mistakes and present a more unified, credible platform for voters disillusioned with the major parties.

Despite the party’s controversial past, including questions over candidate vetting, Reform UK is committed to more rigorous background checks ahead of next year’s local elections. The party has already announced former Conservative MP Andrea Jenkyns as its candidate for the new mayoral seat in Greater Lincolnshire, marking another step in its attempt to broaden its appeal.

Reform UK’s recent momentum has caused ripples within the established parties. While it has long been seen as a potential threat to the Conservatives, Farage has made it clear that the party is also targeting Labour, stating, “We’re coming for Labour.” As Reform UK accelerates its campaign, both the major parties will be watching closely to see if the party can maintain its growing momentum and transform its political aspirations into tangible success.

THE GUARDIAN

Nigel Farage’s Reform Party recently welcomed billionaire property developer Nick Candy, who pledged to raise £40 million for the party in the upcoming election. Candy, who has flirted with both the Tories and Labour in the past, was introduced as the new party treasurer at a press conference that followed an aborted announcement regarding Suella Braverman’s husband, whom the party had hoped to recruit.

Farage, thriving in a climate of national discontent, aims to capitalize on a country where citizens feel let down by mainstream parties. Although he offers no concrete solutions, his calls to cut immigration and dissatisfaction with current leadership have propelled Reform ahead of both Labour and the Tories in the polls. His success, however, hinges on finding credible candidates.

Candy’s involvement is part of Farage’s strategy to attract big-money donations, with promises of substantial backing from wealthy donors. Despite his wealth and connections, Candy offered no tangible solutions for the UK’s woes. His focus remains on raising funds, positioning himself as a key figure capable of financing Reform’s push for power. As Reform surges, questions remain about whether Farage can translate financial backing into a genuine political breakthrough.

THE TIMES

Reform Party’s latest “revolution” kicked off with a photocall featuring Nigel Farage and his new recruit, billionaire property developer Nick Candy. The event, marked by Farage’s characteristic charisma and Candy’s newfound political role as the party’s treasurer, offered a glimpse into the party’s growing ambition. Candy, who has ties to both Tory and Labour circles, promised to raise £40 million to fuel Reform’s election campaign, hoping to attract donations from his wealthy network. Despite his deep pockets, however, neither Farage nor Candy presented any real solutions for the UK’s challenges, instead relying on populist slogans and discontent with the establishment. The event, aired on GB News, highlighted Farage’s skill at harnessing national frustration and generating media attention. With the party poised to challenge the status quo, the question remains whether Reform can turn its populist appeal into political success beyond just attracting rich donors and media coverage