Nigel Farage has delivered a significant blow to Conservative Party morale by securing a high-profile defection from the House of Lords. Baron Malcolm Offord of Garvel, a leading Tory peer, former Scotland Office minister, and substantial party donor, has crossed the floor to join Reform UK.
A Peer's Defection and Holyrood Ambition
The move was announced by Mr Farage at a Reform rally in Falkirk, where he hailed Lord Offord's decision as a "brave and historic act". However, the impact was amplified as it was later revealed the peer is set to resign from the Lords within weeks. His intention is to stand as a Reform UK candidate for the Scottish Parliament in the upcoming May elections.
This defection follows closely on the heels of three former Conservative MPs, including ex-deputy party chairman Jonathan Gullis, also switching allegiance to Reform. Lord Offord used his platform to accuse his former party of having "given up" on Scotland. In a party statement, he argued, "Scotland is crying out for a centre-Right narrative to make the country prosperous once again. Scotland needs Reform and Reform is coming to Scotland."
Financial and Political Fallout for the Tories
The loss is particularly stinging for the Conservatives due to Lord Offord's deep ties and financial backing. He has donated over £100,000 to the Tories and served as the serving treasurer for the Scottish Conservatives. He was elevated to the Lords as a life peer by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2021.
Reform sources were quick to highlight the personal connection, boasting that the defection "is going to hurt – he’s a close friend of Kemi Badenoch." While some Tory MPs expressed confidence in their leader's performance, one privately conceded that Lord Offord's move was "a kick in the balls" for the party.
Broader Context and Electoral Challenges
The defection occurs against a backdrop of troubling internal polling for the Conservatives. A leaked analysis suggested the party could be reduced to just 14 seats if an election were held recently, with Reform UK storming to a 46-seat Commons majority. Currently, Mr Farage's party has only five MPs.
In a separate development, it was reported that Reform UK is preparing a legal challenge over the Government's decision to delay some mayoral elections in May. Mr Farage contends the party is "actively pursuing a judicial review action against the Government over yet another attempt to delay elections where they fear Reform will win."
