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Crispin Odey, the hedge-fund manager accused of multiple counts of sexual misconduct, was among a string of wealthy businessmen who attended a lavish, invitation-only fundraising event for Nigel Farage’s Reform Party this week. Odey, a prominent supporter of Brexit, has kept a low profile since an investigation led by Tortoise revealed a series of sexual assault and harassment allegations spanning decades. In March this year, he was accused of rape. The financier strenuously denies these allegations. The fundraiser, at which Farage was present, was held in Chelsea at one of the properties of the real estate developer, Nick Candy. Among those also attending were the longstanding Farage supporter Arron Banks; the Pimlico Plumbers founder, Charlie Mullins; the sports agent, Jonathan Barnett and Ginetta Cars boss, Lawrence Tomlinson.
The boxer, Derek Chisora, who donated to Farage’s campaign, was also there, as was George Cottrell, the convicted fraudster and aristocrat who has long worked with Farage and joined him on the election campaign trail this summer. Earlier this week, Sky News reported that the fundraiser, hosted by the former Neighbours actress Holly Candy, was designed to raise millions to professionalise party operations. The event was not thought to be ticketed, but attendees are expected to commit to significant donations at such events. As one source said: “The reputational damage of accepting [an invitation] and saying no is high.”
Odey’s last declared political donation was £10,000 to Reform UK, which was accepted by the party in August 2023 – more than a month after the initial allegations against him were revealed.
Over 15 years, Odey has donated more than £1.3 million to political parties and causes, usually of a Eurosceptic nature.
A spokesman for Reform did not respond to requests for comment about Odey’s presence.
