Reform UK Treasurer Nick Candy 'Met Sanctioned Individuals' on Nicaragua Trip
Billionaire property tycoon Nick Candy, who serves as treasurer for Reform UK, visited the Central American country of Nicaragua last week and reportedly engaged with individuals subject to international sanctions. The trip, which focused on discussions related to a gold mining project, has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents, highlighting concerns over national interests and diplomatic propriety.
Details of the Nicaragua Visit
According to reports from the Times, Nick Candy was greeted with a message from Rosario Murillo, the co-president of Nicaragua, who is sanctioned by the UK due to human rights abuses. Murillo referred to Mr Candy as a "brother" and "comrade," though he did not meet her or her husband, co-president Daniel Ortega, directly. Instead, Mr Candy led a mining delegation and attended a meeting where he encountered several sanctioned figures, including Laureano Facundo Ortega Murillo, the son of the co-presidents.
Political Backlash and Criticism
A Labour Party spokesperson condemned the visit, stating that Reform UK and its leadership repeatedly fail to uphold Britain's interests abroad. The spokesperson cited previous instances, such as party leader Nigel Farage's trips to the USA advocating for trade sanctions that could harm the UK economy, and now Mr Candy's engagement with sanctioned individuals in Nicaragua. They accused Farage and his allies of pretending to be patriots while acting contrary to the national interest.
Background on Nick Candy and Reform UK
Nick Candy, a prominent figure in the property industry, joined Reform UK as treasurer in 2024 after defecting from the Conservative Party. He was previously married to former singer and actress Holly Valance, with whom he was a high-profile supporter of Reform UK. The couple, along with Nigel Farage, met Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in 2022, underscoring their connections within political circles. Reform UK has not yet provided a comment on the Nicaragua trip amid the growing controversy.
