Nigel Farage Sets Sights on 2031 for Reform UK to Secure 'Outright Power' in Holyrood
Nigel Farage has boldly declared that Reform UK could seize "outright power" at Holyrood by 2031, outlining an ambitious political timetable during a rally in Aberdeen on Monday evening. The Reform UK leader framed the upcoming May 7 election as a pivotal "breakthrough" moment for his party north of the border, aiming to position Reform as the second-largest party in Scotland this spring, with total control as the ultimate goal for the next electoral cycle.
Polling Battle and Strategic Vision
Current polling indicates Reform UK is locked in a fierce contest with Labour for second place ahead of the May 7 vote. Farage emphasized that Scottish politics is in need of a significant shake-up, expressing confidence in Malcolm Offord, the Reform leader in Scotland, to provide the necessary courage and leadership. "I do think Scottish politics deserves a jolt, and I do believe that Malcolm Offord is prepared to give the courage and the leadership to take us through May 7, to establish us in Holyrood and to put us in a position where we win outright power, outright control, next time around," Farage stated. "That is the plan, that is the timetable that I've set out."
Immigration Concerns and Controversial Claims
Lord Offord, who introduced Farage at the event, focused heavily on immigration issues, despite the Scottish Parliament having no control over the immigration system. Reform has argued that devolved housing policies in Scotland have inadvertently attracted more immigrants to the region. Offord recounted an anecdote from a group of GPs in a "regular Scottish town in the central belt," who reportedly described being overwhelmed by patients presenting with conditions such as TB, hepatitis C, advanced pregnancy cases, and HIV. He quoted one doctor citing the high cost of PrEP treatment for HIV at £11,000 annually per person.
However, when pressed by journalists after the rally to identify the doctors or their location, Offord declined to provide details. He also admitted he had not consulted with the British Medical Association or the Royal College of GPs on the matter but affirmed he "absolutely" plans to do so. Defending his stance, Offord asserted, "We have a terrific track record of integration of people who come to our country, who contribute, who work, who put more in than they take out, who learn the language, who integrate with us and yet they retain their own culture and identity. We love that, we love that diversity, of course we do. But this idea that we've become the food bank of the world or the health service of the world is not right and it's not fair."
Political Reactions and Accusations
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie criticized Farage's comments, suggesting that his 2031 target implies an expectation of an SNP-led government returning in May. "Nigel Farage has let the cat out of the bag," Baillie said. "His despicable comments underline the reality of what Reform are all about. They do not care about Scotland's public services, and they do not care about meeting our country's needs. They want to infect Scotland's politics with their bile. Reform's campaign is a circus built on division, setting Scot against Scot and community against community."
Earlier on Monday, SNP leader and First Minister John Swinney labeled Farage a "right-wing extremist" whose views "have no place in Scotland." Swinney warned, "They want to cut Scotland's budget, close down our Parliament and would privatise our NHS if they ever got a whiff of power – so I am not going to let them. Labour and the Lib Dems have been clear that they would be willing to rely on Reform votes after the election if it meant getting into power. That should show people in Scotland just how far those parties have fallen from their founding principles. We cannot risk giving Farage influence by the back door – and the way to ensure he is locked out of power is by uniting and delivering a majority SNP government that is on Scotland's side."
Conservative Response and Electoral Dynamics
A spokesperson for the Scottish Conservatives responded, "Nigel Farage has made it clear once again he's relaxed about the SNP staying in power for another five years. That is no surprise when his party are fielding pro-independence candidates and Lord Offord has failed to rule out another referendum. If we are to move on from two decades of SNP failure, pro-UK voters must unite around the Scottish Conservatives on the peach ballot paper to stop an SNP majority."
As the May 7 election approaches, Reform UK's aggressive stance and Farage's long-term vision for 2031 are set to intensify the political landscape in Scotland, sparking debates over immigration, public services, and the future of devolved governance.
