Following speculations of a potential multi-million-pound donation to Nigel Farage’s party, the new Treasurer of Reform UK disclosed that he communicated with Elon Musk this morning. Nick Candy, the billionaire spouse of singer Holly Valance and a former Tory party member, mentioned to Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby that they exchanged messages after his appointment was announced.
“I was messaging him this morning,” Mr. Candy stated. “I cannot further discuss that. We were speaking directly.”
Mr. Candy, a property tycoon, explained that he relinquished his Conservative membership due to “too many broken promises” and a “breach of trust with the wealth creators in our country”. He revealed his intention to take up the fundraising role for Reform UK in the upcoming year.
Addressing discussions about potential donations from Mr. Musk, Mr. Candy stated that they have not had any conversations yet, but expressed interest if Elon Musk decides to contribute.
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Is Reform UK winning the ‘bro vote’?
Elon Musk has shown support for Reform UK on his X social media platform, hinting at the party’s potential success in the next general election. However, party leader Nigel Farage, accompanied by Mr. Candy in an interview, dismissed reports of an £80m donation from the world’s wealthiest individual, labeling it as baseless.
Farage stated, “Elon Musk is very supportive of what Reform is trying to do, supportive of me personally. And we’ve got the connections with him, and Nick’s got good connections with him as well.”
He clarified that while Musk is offering political support, no donations have been requested or offered at this stage.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Pic: AP
Reform UK has seen an influx of recent Tory defections, including former minister Andrea Jenkyns, with Mr. Candy’s appointment being described as a milestone as the party gears up for the upcoming local elections in May.
Farage acknowledged instances of racist and homophobic remarks made by some of their candidates during the previous general election, expressing that it significantly impacted their campaign. However, he assured that the party has since improved its candidate vetting process for the county council elections to a higher standard than any other party.
Nigel Farage and Nick Candy at Millbank TV studios. Pic: PA
Addressing the case of James McMurdock, one of Reform’s new MPs, who was previously incarcerated for assaulting his girlfriend, Farage emphasized a stance of “Christian forgiveness”. McMurdock did not disclose his criminal record before the election, downplaying it as a youthful mistake when it came to light.
Farage defended McMurdock, stating that the young man has since reformed and served society positively, despite past indiscretions. He pointed out discrepancies between court documents and McMurdock’s account of the incident but maintained support for the MP.
James McMurdock. Pic: PA
Farage emphasized the party’s commitment to building a new political party rather than dwelling on past issues, affirming his belief in the reformation shown by members like McMurdock.