Lord Malcolm Offord, the leader of Reform UK Scotland, has claimed that the term 'racist' has become 'dangerously damaged' and is being used 'too loosely' and 'too accusatory'. Speaking to wrestler Grado on LBC, he argued that those labelled as racist are simply demanding fairness, particularly in the context of migration and public services.
Offord cited the end of the local connection rule for social housing in Scotland, saying it allows newcomers to 'barge to the front of the queue', which he described as unfair to local people. He said: 'Don't call somebody racist for saying it's not fair.' The comments come amid accusations of racism against Reform UK, including over an attack ad targeting Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.
The party has faced multiple controversies, with eight candidates standing down since its campaign launch. Revelations included some candidates backing Tommy Robinson, calling for Muslim deportations, and branding former First Minister Humza Yousaf an 'Islamist'. Offord, a former Tory peer who defected in December, admitted the media aspect of his role was a 'rude awakening'.
Lib Dem candidate Jamie Greene criticised Offord's denials, stating: 'If Lord Offord doesn't want people calling Reform racist, he could stop whining and kick his openly racist colleagues out.' Polling suggests Reform UK is in second place behind the SNP, potentially making Offord leader of the opposition at Holyrood.
