NewsBite

Updated

Holly Valance writes ‘substantial’ cheque for Nigel Farage at Trump campaign fundraiser

The former Neighbours star made a generous donation to a right-wing politician, as she schmoozed at a glitzy Donald Trump campaign fundraiser. Watch video.

Holly Valance hugs Donald Trump Jr outside fundraiser

Former Neighbours actress Holly Valance has written Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage a cheque for “a substantial” amount to bolster the right wing party’s election campaign funds.

Valance, who is an avid supporter and personal friend of Mr Farage, handed him a cheque for an undisclosed amount helping his party raise £1.5 million ($A2.8 million) since he declared last week he would be running for the upcoming UK election, according to British media.

It comes as Valance hosted a huge fundraiser for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in a reception that had raised millions before the doors to her lavish Chelsea mansion were even opened.

Holly Valance is an avid supporter and personal friend of Farage. Picture: AFP
Holly Valance is an avid supporter and personal friend of Farage. Picture: AFP

Sources said Valance, who is married to billionaire property developer Nick Candy, signed the cheque at the fundraiser on Wednesday.

Mr Farage had taken a break from the campaign trail to attend the bash.

The cash boost comes as Mr Farage was offered additional basic security by the Home Office at taxpayers’ expense while on the campaign trail for the July 4 election after he was twice attacked.

A member of the public tipped a milkshake over his head and, again, on Tuesday a hooded man threw rocks, wet cement and a coffee cup at him.

Meanwhile, Ms Valance has become an unlikely mascot for the far right having encouraged Mr Farage to stand as an MP in July’s general election, saying she had “whispered” in his ear for a long time to return as Reform party leader.

She drew the line, however, at saying she will join him on the campaign trail.

DONALD TRUMP JR JOINS THE PARTY

Valance and her husband were seen warmly embracing Donald Trump Jr and his fiancee Kimberly Guilfoyle as they escorted the couple to their waiting car at the London fundraiser she hosted on Wednesday.

When asked by reporters how the evening had been, Donald Trump Jr replied: “Incredible”.

Holly Valance kisses Donald Trump Jr farewell as he leaves her fundraiser for his father. Picture: Getty Images
Holly Valance kisses Donald Trump Jr farewell as he leaves her fundraiser for his father. Picture: Getty Images

Valance earlier gave a speech alongside the former US president’s eldest son at the event, which cost supporters up to $A40,000 to attend.

When asked by a reporter why it had been important for her to host the event, Valance replied: “Because if America’s doing well, we’re all doing well.”

Donald Trump Jr said the event was “incredible”. Picture: Getty Images
Donald Trump Jr said the event was “incredible”. Picture: Getty Images
Donald Trump Jr leaves the fundraiser in London’s Chelsea. Picture: Getty Images
Donald Trump Jr leaves the fundraiser in London’s Chelsea. Picture: Getty Images
Holly Valance says farewell to Donald Trump Jr and Kimberly Guilfoyle. Picture: X @davidhbrown
Holly Valance says farewell to Donald Trump Jr and Kimberly Guilfoyle. Picture: X @davidhbrown
Holly Valance hugs Donald Trump Jr after her fundraiser. Picture: X @davidhbrown
Holly Valance hugs Donald Trump Jr after her fundraiser. Picture: X @davidhbrown

Mr Farage arrived at the party solo, clutching a First World War-styled edition of the Gospel According to St John.

Mr Farage earlier told The Telegraph the book was a family treasure given to him by two Reform supporters and that he had wanted to carry it with him.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage arrives at the fundraiser. Picture: Getty Images
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage arrives at the fundraiser. Picture: Getty Images
British boxer Derek Chisora was in full Trump fan mode. Picture: Getty Images
British boxer Derek Chisora was in full Trump fan mode. Picture: Getty Images

When asked if he would donate to a convicted felon, he told The Times: “I can’t donate, I’m British.”

Mr Farage was convinced by Valance to stand as a Reform UK candidate in this year’s general election.

Only US citizens and permanent residents will be able to make donations.

Meanwhile, Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour was believed to be hosting a rival London fundraiser at the same time in support of Joe Biden’s campaign.

Melbourne-born Valance has a green card as a result of her Hollywood acting career.

She gave a speech along with Donald Trump Jr, who was accompanied by his fiancee, TV news personality Kimberly Guilfoyle.

Holly Valance with husband Nick Candy, Donald Trump and Nigel Farage. Picture: X
Holly Valance with husband Nick Candy, Donald Trump and Nigel Farage. Picture: X

More than 100 guests, including US Republicans who were part of Trump’s White House between 2017 and 2021, were on the guest list for the event.

British boxer Derek Chisora attended the event in a scarlet cap emblazoned with the Trump slogan “Make America great again”.

Matthew Elliott, the former chief executive of Vote Leave, was also at the Valance-Candy residence where caterers served Mediterranean food.

It is understood former British prime minister Liz Truss was invited but politely declined the offer.

SHOCKING MOMENT NIGEL FARAGE PELTED WITH CEMENT

A man has been charged after objects were flung at Mr Farage while he was on the election campaign trail.

The 60-year-old cowered in fear when he was pelted by a man in a red hoodie in Barnsley in South Yorkshire on Tuesday while he was on an open top battle bus for his party.

Mr Farage was seen holding up his hands in protest at the flying objects, which included wet cement protesters had taken from a nearby work site, and a coffee cup.

Josh Greally, 28, has been charged with using threatening behaviour.

Nigel Farage ‘pelted with rocks’ on campaign trail
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reacts after something is thrown towards him on the Reform UK campaign bus in South Yorkshire, while on the campaign trail. Picture: /PA Images via Getty Images
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reacts after something is thrown towards him on the Reform UK campaign bus in South Yorkshire, while on the campaign trail. Picture: /PA Images via Getty Images
A person throws a cup towards Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on the Reform UK campaign bus in Barnsley while on the General Election campaign trail. Picture: PA Images via Getty Images
A person throws a cup towards Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on the Reform UK campaign bus in Barnsley while on the General Election campaign trail. Picture: PA Images via Getty Images

Mr Farage was heard exclaiming “ouch” as the rocks landed on him, while the man was heard shouting “scum, scum, scum” at Mr Farage before he was dragged away by police.

Mr Farage, who is standing as an MP in Clacton, Essex, wrote on X: “My huge thanks to South Yorkshire Police today.

“I will not be bullied or cowed by a violent Left-wing mob who hate our country.”

Mr Farage added: “These people want to stop my election campaign. That’s never going to happen.”

Mr Farage earlier admitted the incident had left him shaken and he is now reviewing how he runs his campaign trail.

“I’m having to think twice about what I do,” he told reporters.

“Now, I’ve been doing this forever and there have been incidents over the years that have happened. They were isolated incidents, they were horrible.

“If I give in to these people, who else is going to stand up?

“I’m not going to stop but my modus operandi may have to change.”

Leader of Reform UK Nigel Farage speaks with a journalist ahead of the UK general election. Picture: AFP
Leader of Reform UK Nigel Farage speaks with a journalist ahead of the UK general election. Picture: AFP

Mr Farage said that he had been told by the police a “Left-wing mob” was circulating in Barnsley.

When asked by The Sun how he was feeling after the cement attack, he said: “Yeah, it was pretty nasty at Barnsley this morning.

“Thank God for the local police, who said to me, look, you know, we were on a big open top double-decker bus.

“I was going to get off and walk through the main square in Barnsley.

“The police did tip us off very early, that will not be a good idea. Yeah, a sort of mob came along.

“By the way, protest is allowed. Protest is part of that democratic process …”

The attack comes a week after he was “milkshakes” by a member of public while kicking off his campaign last week.

Originally published as Holly Valance writes ‘substantial’ cheque for Nigel Farage at Trump campaign fundraiser

Read related topics:Donald Trump

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/world/shocking-moment-nigel-farage-pelted-with-cement/news-story/269dc437b4a72523d7ec2e7b2ebd31df