Who is Nick Candy? The husband of Holly Valance named Reform UK’s treasurer
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It's a takeover that could significantly shake up the British political scene.
Nigel Farage, the head of Reform UK, has gained the backing of wealthy real estate mogul Nick Candy, who has departed from the Conservative Party to take on the role of treasurer for Mr. Farage’s party.
Mr. Candy has become the most recent prominent Conservative Party member to switch over to Reform UK, following former MP Andrea Jenkyns, who joined the party last month and is now the mayoral candidate for Lincolnshire.
Last week, Tim Montgomerie, the founder of Conservative Home, made a change as the party experienced a boost in the polls following Sir Keir Starmer's "reset" address.
Accompanying him is Mr. Candy, who is wed to Australian singer and actress Holly Valance, providing substantial financial support.
In an interview with The Independent, Mr. Candy confidently stated that he will secure more funds for Reform UK than any other political party in the UK has ever achieved. He also mentioned that Mr. Farage is set to win the upcoming general election.
Who is Nick Candy, how did he accumulate his wealth, and what can we learn about this well-connected entrepreneur? The Independent investigates:
"Who Is Nick Candy?"
Nick Candy, 51, was born in London to a mother from Cyprus and a father from England.
He attended Epsom College, an independent school, and later earned a degree in human geography from the University of Reading.
In 1995, he and his brother Christian purchased a one-bedroom apartment in Earls Court, London, aided by a £6,000 loan from their grandmother. After living there while renovating the place, they eventually sold it and made a profit of £50,000.
This inspired the duo to start a business focused on purchasing and refurbishing apartments. Eventually, they decided to leave their jobs in advertising and banking to establish Candy & Candy in 1999.
It marked the start of the brothers' journey into entrepreneurship, leading them to earn millions by developing high-end properties.
How Did Nick Candy Accumulate His Wealth?
As Candy & Candy expanded, it took on larger and more diverse projects.
The brothers noticed an opportunity in the market for luxury hideaways equipped with high-tech gadgets and security measures, specifically designed for the anxious, ultra-wealthy individuals relocating to London.
One of the major developments was the upscale residential and shopping complex, One Hyde Park, located in Knightsbridge. Finished in 2011, the penthouse units have been known to sell for some of the highest prices ever recorded.
Seven years later, in 2018, Nick Candy became the sole owner of the family business, now called Candy Property. He has expanded his investments through his company, Candy Ventures, which includes ventures in mining in the Philippines.
As reported by Celebrity Net Worth, Nick Candy's current net worth is approximately £2 billion.
How Does Nick Candy Use His Wealth?
In addition to his work in real estate, Nick Candy has pursued several other ventures that he has significantly invested in over the past few years.
Having been active in politics as a member of the Conservative Party, he has contributed over £270,000 to the party through donations since 2020. Before that, he also donated £70,000 via his company, as reported by The Times.
He has financially supported Conservative campaigns, including the unsuccessful effort to unseat London Mayor Sadiq Khan in favor of Shaun Bailey.
Two years back, Nick Candy reportedly offered over £2 billion to purchase Chelsea Football Club, of which he holds a season ticket. However, the club was ultimately sold to a group led by American businessman Todd Boehly.
Outside of the realms of politics and sports, he founded The Candy Foundation in 2018. This organization focuses on providing financial support to enhance the lives of children who are dealing with significant hardships and disabilities.
Insights Into Nick Candy's Personal Life
Some may recognize Nick Candy as the spouse of Australian actress and singer Holly Valance, who gained popularity for her role as Felicity Scully on the soap opera Neighbours.
Ms. Valance is also a notable supporter of the Reform movement.
The couple tied the knot in Beverly Hills, California, in 2012. A year later, they welcomed their first daughter, Luka Violet Toni. Their second daughter, Nova Skye Coco, arrived in 2017.
Three years back, the couple is said to have purchased a new seven-bedroom mansion in Oxfordshire for £10 million, following Nick's sale of his penthouse at One Hyde Park for £175 million.
Nick Candy is reportedly on friendly terms with comedians Jimmy Carr and David Walliams. In 2022, he was spotted with Nigel Farage and Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago resort, where the future US president held events.
