Lord Malcolm Offord, a former Conservative minister, has publicly declared his ambition to become the Scottish leader of Nigel Farage's Reform UK party. This move comes ahead of the crucial Holyrood elections scheduled for May.
Defector Sets Sights on Holyrood
In his first major interview since defecting from the Conservatives last month, Lord Offord confirmed he will stand for the leadership position in Scotland. The peer stated that a Scottish leader for Reform will be selected shortly, and he intends to put his name forward. "My name will definitely be in the ring, for sure," he told the Mail.
Speaking from his investment firm, Badenoch & Co in Edinburgh, the former Tory treasurer outlined a bold vision. He claimed that Reform UK has the potential to remove First Minister John Swinney and the Scottish National Party from government after 17 years in power. "Let's be clear, the project is to remove the SNP. We need to give Scotland good government for the first time in 25 years," Lord Offord asserted.
Building Alliances and Defining Scotland's Voice
Lord Offord emphasised his party's willingness to collaborate with other political groups to achieve the goal of defeating the SNP. "If need be, leave the politics at the door," he said, indicating a focus on pragmatic alliances. However, he downplayed the role of Reform's UK figurehead, Nigel Farage, in the Scottish campaign. "Reform Scotland needs its own voice, its own leader," he explained, signalling a distinct strategy north of the border.
The peer also addressed criticism from Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay, who revealed he was not personally informed of Lord Offord's decision to quit the party and his role as treasurer. Lord Offord responded, "It's not a perfect world. We now live in a world of digital," suggesting the manner of his departure was a product of modern communication.
Policy Stance and Political Reactions
During the interview, Lord Offord expressed support for a review of the Barnett Formula, the funding mechanism that determines public spending allocations for Scotland. This aligns with Reform UK's broader critique of current fiscal arrangements.
The announcement has drawn swift reactions from political rivals. An SNP spokesman accused Lord Offord and other Westminster parties of "lining up to do deals together." Meanwhile, Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton issued a stark warning to voters: "Reform are not being straight with Scots. A vote for them only helps the SNP remain in power."
As the campaign for the Holyrood elections intensifies, Lord Offord's defection and leadership bid mark a significant shift in the Scottish political landscape, positioning Reform UK as a potential disruptor in the contest to form the next Scottish Government.
