Nigel Farage has personally appointed a former Conservative minister and millionaire donor to lead Reform UK's charge in Scotland, in a significant move ahead of the Holyrood elections.
From Tory Peer to Reform Standard-Bearer
Lord Malcolm Offord, a peer created by Boris Johnson, was unveiled as the party's new leader in Scotland on Thursday, 15 January 2026. The announcement marks a dramatic political shift for Offord, who defected from the Conservatives to Reform UK in December last year.
In a pointed message, Offord stated his belief that the Scottish Conservatives had effectively 'given up' on Scotland, prompting his move. He has also indicated that his new role is not a personal slight against figures like Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, with whom he has previously worked.
Resigning to Run: A Bid for Holyrood
In a clear sign of commitment to his new party's cause, Lord Offord will resign his seat in the House of Lords. This step is necessary as he prepares to stand as a candidate in the Scottish Parliament elections scheduled for May.
His appointment to the leadership was not the result of an internal party election but a direct decision by Nigel Farage. Farage, the figurehead of Reform UK, expressed strong confidence in the move, predicting the party would soon eclipse both the Conservatives and Labour to become the primary opposition to the SNP in Scotland.
Political Repercussions and Electoral Ambitions
The defection of a sitting peer and former minister represents a considerable coup for Reform UK and a blow to the Scottish Tories. It signals Reform's serious intent to build a substantial presence in Scottish politics and capitalise on perceived weaknesses in the unionist vote.
With the Holyrood elections just months away, Offord's task will be to quickly establish Reform UK as a credible force and challenge the established political order. The coming campaign will test Farage's prediction and determine whether this high-profile switch can translate into significant electoral gains.
