Reform UK is going from strength to strength at the moment. The party is riding high in the opinion polls, and Tory grandees are joining the ranks.
Only this week it was revealed that Suella Braverman’s husband, Rael, has jumped ship to become a senior campaigner for Nigel Farage’s party.
This move has fuelled speculation about the former home secretary’s political future, although she has publicly stated she is not defecting to Reform.
Now, the insurgent party has pulled off an even bigger coup: Nick Candy has become the party’s new treasurer.
Who is he and why is the move so significant?
Nick Candy is a British billionaire property developer, known for his significant contributions to the luxury real estate sector and mainstream political parties.
Before joining Reform, Candy was known for his support of the Conservative Party, having donated substantial sums, such as £250,000 during Boris Johnson’s leadership from 2020 to 2022.
He is married to Holly Valance, an Australian-British singer and former actress who is a prominent supporter of Farage’s party.
Candy’s promises to boost Reform’s coffers by more than £40million ahead of the next General Election
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Speaking to GB News’ Political Editor Chris Hope on Tuesday, Candy promised to boost the party’s coffers ahead of the May elections next year and the General Election in 2029.
“I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think Reform UK would be the party in Government in 2029 and Nigel Farage the Prime Minister of this country,” he told GB News.
Citing “too many broken promises” made by the Tories and Sir Keir Starmer’s “disastrous” premiership, Candy has personally committed to donating a seven-figure sum to the party.
He also revealed to GB News that he aims to raise more than £40million in donations to give Reform the best shot at unseating Starmer in five years’ time, adding that he’s “very good at raising funds” and operationalising businesses.
How might he do this?
Candy’s previous ventures offer some clues.
He has consistently demonstrated a knack for raising significant capital to fund ambitious projects.
Take his development of One Hyde Park – the world-renowned luxury apartment complex in London.
The project reportedly secured billions of pounds in sales, with apartments often fetching record-breaking prices. Candy’s ability to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors reflects his persuasive and strategic fundraising skills.
Candy could use his powers of persuasion and extensive client book to help Reform secure donations from other wealthy backers. His ability to present a compelling vision could draw in funds necessary for high-impact campaigns ahead of the upcoming elections.
Cand has consistently demonstrated a knack for raising significant capital to fund ambitious projects
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Marketing wizardry
Candy’s ability to make a product aspirational and desirable could also serve Reform well.
Projects like One Hyde Park and NoHo Square were marketed as iconic, world-class developments, drawing buyers from across the globe.
Reform could leverage Candy’s branding expertise to reshape its public image, crafting a narrative that appeals to a broader audience while retaining its core values.
For example, he could help package Reform’s policies as innovative solutions to modern problems, making them more appealing to voters.
Along with improving the party’s visibility, this messaging could help Reform along its path to professionalising – something insiders are acutely aware of as the party looks to shake off its dodgy associations.
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