Holly Valance, the Neighbours star and wife of property mogul and Tory donor Nick Candy, is eyeing a run as a Reform candidate in Basildon and Billericay, Guido hears. The seat that’s seen Tory Chair Richard Holden parachuted into…
Valance, who became the new darling of the right after backing Reform in March, is now said to be in “11th hour” talks to stand in the Essex seat. The current Reform PPC, Stephen Conlay, might find himself outshone by a celebrity candidate like Valance—a smart move for Reform, perhaps. A reminder: nominations close at 4 p.m. today…
Meanwhile, members are filing in their letters of no confidence in Holden, hoping to nominate their own candidate instead. Guido can’t imagine the state of mind Holden’s in. He may have to kiss kiss goodbye to his safe seat…
UPDATE:
Holly Valance has decided not to stand to be a MP at the 2024 election after some consideration. She told GB News: “It’s not going to work for me – it was very difficult logistics wise.”
Starmer loyalist and Housing Secretary Steve Reed told Sky News that Starmer should not be replaced:
“We saw what the Tories did. They were in power for 14 years, and after 2016, I think we had nine education secretaries, seven chancellors, and five Prime Ministers. Doomscrolling through Prime Ministers doesn’t resolve the problem.”