Reform UK's Scottish leader, Malcolm Offord, has faced widespread criticism after a televised election debate in which he boasted about owning six houses, five cars and six boats. SNP leader John Swinney described the remarks as “tone deaf” and called on all party leaders to publish their tax returns before the 7 May election.
Speaking on STV on Tuesday evening, Offord, a multimillionaire financier and former Conservative peer, said: “I went to London 40 years ago with £2,000 of debt. Full of ambition, I worked hard and I was successful. Today, I own six houses, five cars and six boats.” He asked Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer: “In your Scotland, do you want more people like me, or fewer people like me?” Greer replied: “Fewer people like you.”
Greer highlighted the housing crisis, noting there are three times as many holiday homes and empty properties as homeless children. Labour leader Anas Sarwar called Offord “entitled”, adding: “The idea that he will stand up for working people is for the birds.” Offord, who recently bought a mansion on Loch Lomond for £1.6m, has previously refused to disclose his wealth.
Swinney, speaking at a campaign event in Edinburgh, said: “Lord Offord was essentially bragging about his wealth and I don’t think that is the way to engage with voters.” He indicated willingness to publish his own tax return and urged other leaders to do the same before polling day.
Offord also faced earlier criticism for missing a weekend of campaigning to sail his yacht in a regatta, which he dismissed as a hobby. Housing campaigners expressed frustration at the remarks, with Living Rent’s Stella Rooney stating: “When the majority are struggling, it is hard to believe someone owning multiple homes understands the housing crisis.” Reform UK has not yet responded to requests for Offord’s tax returns or property details.
