Holly Valance’s husband said he would give a “seven-figure” sum to Reform UK after it was announced he would become party treasurer in the new year.
Nick Candy, a billionaire property tycoon, renounced his Conservative Party membership on Monday over what he described as “too many broken promises”.
Posing for pictures with leader Nigel Farage in Westminster on Tuesday, Mr Candy was asked whether he would be donating any of his own money to the party.
“Of course,” he replied. When asked how much, he said he would be giving a “seven-figure sum”.
Mr Candy also accused the Tories of a “complete breach of trust with the wealth creators in our country” and said he would take up the fundraising role in the new year.
It comes after speculation that Elon Musk, the owner of X and an ally of Donald Trump, could donate $100 million (£79 million) to Reform.
Mr Farage is the only British politician Mr Musk follows on X, and the billionaire entrepreneur has recently expressed support for Reform on the platform.
Asked whether Reform would be taking money from Mr Musk, Mr Farage said on Tuesday: “We don’t know anything about Elon Musk” but added that if money were offered “we will take it”.
Reform has been buoyed by a series of Tory defections, including former minister Andrea Jenkyns, and described Mr Candy’s appointment as its “latest coup” as it prepares for the local elections in May.
Mr Candy said: “I have today resigned my membership of the Conservative Party after many years of active support and substantial donations to the party.
“I am sorry to say there have been too many broken promises and a complete breach of trust with the wealth creators in our country.
“Nigel Farage is a close personal friend of mine, and Reform UK represents the future of British politics.
“I am pleased to announce that I will now become the treasurer for Reform UK and intend to raise enough funds for them to win the next general election.
“I will take up the role in the new year.”
Mr Farage said: “I warmly welcome this decision. We are the fastest-growing movement in British politics today and Nick’s efforts will help Reform UK transform our country.”
