Nigel Farage Announces Reform UK’s New Scottish Leader

Nigel Farage has announced the new leader of Reform UK in Scotland, Lord Malcolm Offord. This follows Offord’s recent defection from the Conservative Party. He will spearhead the party’s efforts in the upcoming Holyrood elections scheduled for May.

Lord Malcolm Offord Steps Up

Farage expressed confidence in Offord’s leadership, highlighting his dedication to the country. Offord, a Scottish businessman and former Conservative minister, previously served as under-secretary of state for Scotland and under-secretary of state for exports under Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak.

Vision for Scotland

Upon his appointment, Offord stated, “It’s a great honour to be named the new leader of Reform UK Scotland.” He outlined a proactive campaign strategy leading up to May 7. His goal is to present a positive vision that aims to make Scotland a leader within the UK over the next decade.

Focus on Reform Candidates

• Reform UK plans to field candidates in all 73 constituencies.
• The party aims to elevate Scotland’s position and challenge the current SNP government.
• Offord emphasized the need for change, stating that Scots are frustrated with the current situation.

“This is now a two-horse race between Reform and the SNP,” Offord asserted, urging voters to consider Reform UK as a viable alternative.

Electoral Context

Recent polls indicate that Reform UK is positioned second behind the SNP, with Labour trailing in third. The party recently celebrated its most significant parliamentary achievement in Scotland, securing 26% of the vote during last summer’s Hamilton by-election. Additionally, they achieved their first council seat win in Whitburn and Blackburn in December.

Competition for Leadership

Within the party, other potential candidates for the leadership role include Graham Simpson and Thomas Kerr. Simpson, Scotland’s sole Reform MSP, joined the party after leaving the Tories in 2025, while Kerr currently serves as a councillor in Glasgow.

Reform UK Under Scrutiny

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar criticized Reform UK, referring to it as “the Tories in disguise” and expressing doubts about Offord’s capability to represent working-class Scots effectively. He argued that Offord’s previous affiliations with the Conservative Party undermine his current position.

Despite criticisms, Offord remains determined. He believes that the upcoming election offers an opportunity for Scots to change their political landscape. “Scotland needs Reform, and Reform has arrived in Scotland,” he concluded.