Malcolm Offord, the leader of Reform UK in Scotland, has been criticised as 'tone deaf' after boasting about his multiple properties, cars, and boats during a televised election debate. The multimillionaire financier and former Conservative peer told the STV debate on Tuesday evening that he owns six houses, five cars, and six boats, and has paid £45 million in tax over his 40-year business career.
Offord's comments drew sharp rebukes from other party leaders. Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer responded, 'Fewer people like you,' highlighting the contrast with Scotland's housing crisis, where there are three times as many holiday homes and empty properties as homeless children. Labour leader Anas Sarwar called Offord 'entitled,' saying the idea he would stand up for working people is 'for the birds.'
SNP leader John Swinney described Offord's remarks as 'tone deaf' and proposed that all party leaders publish their tax returns before the 7 May election. Swinney indicated he would be 'very happy' to release his own tax records and see others do the same. Offord has previously refused to disclose his wealth, calling it a private matter.
Offord, who recently bought a £1.6 million mansion on Loch Lomond without a mortgage, also faced criticism earlier in the campaign for missing a weekend of campaigning to sail his yacht in a regatta. He laughed off the criticism, saying, 'Heaven forbid a man has a hobby.'
Stella Rooney of tenants' union Living Rent said it is hard to believe someone owning multiple homes understands the housing crisis. Anti-poverty campaigners expressed frustration at being unable to respond directly due to pre-election rules. Reform UK has not yet responded to requests for Offord to publish his tax returns and confirm his property locations.
