Reform UK's new Treasurer Nick Candy reveals he spoke to Elon Musk this morning

The new Treasurer of Reform UK has disclosed that he spoke with Elon Musk this morning after rumors surfaced about the possibility of the tech billionaire making a significant financial contribution to Nigel Farage's party.

Nick Candy, a wealthy businessman and husband to singer Holly Valance, as well as a former member of the Conservative Party, shared with Sky News political editor Beth Rigby that the two communicated through messages following the announcement of his new role.

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"This morning, I was chatting with him," Mr. Candy stated.

"I can't go into more detail about that. We were having a direct conversation."

Property mogul Mr. Candy announced that he has decided to leave the Conservative Party, citing "too many unfulfilled commitments" and a "betrayal of trust with the individuals driving our economy."

He mentioned that he plans to assume the fundraising position for Reform UK starting in the new year.

When asked whether he has talked to Mr. Musk about contributions, he told Sky News that they haven't had any discussions on that topic so far. However, he mentioned, "If Elon is willing to donate, then certainly Reform would be eager to consider it."

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Mr. Musk has shown his backing for Reform UK on his X social media platform, indicating that the party might have a chance to win the upcoming general election.

Nonetheless, party leader Mr. Farage, who spoke with Mr. Candy during the interview, dismissed claims that the wealthiest person in the world might contribute £80 million.

He referred to it as a "tale that has no foundation in reality."

He mentioned that Elon Musk is highly supportive of the goals of Reform and is also personally backing him. Additionally, they have established a good rapport with Musk, and Nick has strong ties with him too.

"He is providing us with political backing. At this point, we haven't asked for any donations, nor have we been offered any."

Reform has gained momentum due to several recent departures from the Conservative Party, such as former minister Andrea Jenkyns. They referred to Mr. Candy’s appointment as their "latest victory" as they gear up for the local elections scheduled for May.

Mr. Farage expressed to Beth Rigby that the racist and homophobic remarks made by certain candidates in the July general election significantly harmed the campaign, indicating that it "wasn't in a proper condition" to compete effectively at the polls.

He emphasized that everything has now "shifted", and the party is carefully reviewing candidates for the English county council elections, "with a level of scrutiny that no other local party has ever implemented."

"He's a great young guy."

Mr. Farage was later questioned regarding James McMurdock, one of the five new MPs from Reform, who, as reported by The Times, was imprisoned 18 years ago for repeatedly assaulting his girlfriend.

He served 21 days in a youth detention center after confessing to the assault, but the investment banker failed to mention his criminal history before the election. Once it was revealed, he trivialized it by calling it a "youthful mistake."

When asked about how he would handle similar situations in the future, Mr. Farage expressed his belief in the concept of "Christian forgiveness."

The leader of the Reform party suggested that if half of the individuals in a youth detention center achieved the same level of success as Mr. McMurdock, "our nation would be in a better place."

Mr. Farage was confronted with a difference between the court documents, which claim that Mr. McMurdock kicked his girlfriend four times, and his statement, in which he stated that he merely pushed her.

Mr. Farage mentioned, "Let me put it this way: we have a lot on our plate, don't we?"

"We're in the process of creating a new political party. You're bringing up a past conviction from two decades ago. What's done is done."

"I'm not sure if there's any conflict or not. What I can say for certain is that he's a remarkable young man who has grown into a truly impressive individual. He is currently serving as a member of Parliament."

Mr. McMurdock expressed that he continues to feel a profound sense of shame and regret about the incident. He mentioned that he accepted the repercussions of his actions at the time and has taken full responsibility for what he did.

He mentioned that the "embarrassment" from that evening prompted him to change his life for the better. Now, he is happily married with four kids and is anticipating the arrival of a fifth child in February.