TV presenter Ant Middleton, singer Holly Valance, socialite Victoria Hervey and boxer Derek Chisora were at the private members’ club event which is claimed to have raised over £1million
Nigel Farage is said to have performed the Village People’s YMCA song at a champagne-fuelled fundraising bash claimed to have banked over £1million for Reform UK.
Sea bass, roast beef fillet and chocolate mousse were served at the private members’ club gathering in London’s Mayfair. Tickets reportedly cost up to £25,000 for the Tuesday night event, which featured a five-piece band moving between tables and an opera singer bursting into song.
The event was said to be organised by billionaire property developer Nick Candy, the right-wing party’s new treasurer who attended with Aussie pop singer wife Holly Valance. Former SAS: Who Dares Wins star Ant Middleton was also present, as was socialite Lady Victoria Hervey and boxer Derek Chisora.
Party chiefs believe the 90 guests “easily” raised over £1million, the Times reported. Tory donors Bassim Haidar and Mohamed Amersi were there too – the latter of whom later praised Farage for talking about dismantling the so-called “deep state”.
It comes as Reform UK has been polling second behind Labour, edging out the Conservatives. Reform’s leader Farage reportedly told the audience the Party was getting organised – boasting membership was “rocketing”.
Reform was preparing for May’s location elections which would be their biggest test, he is said to have added. “If you give us the ammunition we will do incredibly well,” he said.
He reportedly finished his speech with a rendition of the YMCA song, which became US president Donald Trump’s victory anthem. The fundraiser was held at Oswald’s, which society bible Tatler has previously reported the Beckhams were regulars at.
Dom Pérignon 2012 and Nyetimber English sparkling wine were served, the Financial Times reported. Mr Haidar, who confirmed his attendance, told the FT it was “a valuable opportunity to learn more about the party’s mission, and I believe they have a good one to ‘make the UK great again’.”
Meanwhile, Mr Amersi tweeted on Thursday: “I was very impressed to hear @Nigel_Farage at last night’s @reformparty_uk event. In my view he epitomised very well the 5 Cs that I look for in a leader: courage, confidence, conviction, candour and charisma. And of course, conservatism! He also talked candidly about dismantling the deep state. This is vital and he should follow Trump’s playbook.” Reform UK was contacted for comment.