‘Candyman’ reveals possible bid for Gold Coast mayor

Tobacco tycoon ‘Candyman’ Travers Beynon has hinted he could be considering running for Gold Coast mayor.

Beynon is better known for his Hugh Hefner-like lifestyle than he is for his tobacco business, Free Choice Tobacco, let alone any political ambitions – but his love for the Gold Coast is undeniable.

“I have thought about running for council, running for mayor. I’m still thinking it through but if the timing is right …” Beynon told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

“The Gold Coast has so much potential but we’re just not going down the right track. We could be the Miami, the South Beach, of Australia. We need to embrace our glitz and glamour, not pretend to be something that we’re not.

“I want to celebrate who the Gold Coast is. The opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games was the perfect example — we were too scared to be who we are and we were boring instead.

“That’s the worst thing you can be. I had everyone telling me I should have organised it — and you know what? I should have.”

Beynon said he wasn’t opposed to sitting Mayor Tom Tate but that the Gold Coast just needs “more action”. He has even extended Mr Tate an invite to the “next Candy Shop party”.

The father-of-four has achieved celebrity status over the past few years for his controversial Instagram posts featuring his many girlfriends in various states of undress and throwing lavish parties reportedly costing in excess of $500,000.