Malcolm Offord has declared that he entered the Holyrood election with the ambition of becoming Scotland's first minister. The Reform UK Scotland leader acknowledged, however, that defeating the incumbent SNP in the Inverclyde constituency, where he is standing, will be a significant challenge.
Offord's Confidence Despite SNP Stronghold
Speaking to the Press Association, Lord Offord stated: "That's a big challenge for us, because this is an SNP heartland, it has been 20 years, but we've got a good response on the doors. I'm not going to make any predictions, but we've got a good response – we are confident of getting a good result."
At the count in Greenock, Lord Offord said he would "of course" be disappointed if he fails to win the seat where he grew up, emphasising that he is "in it to win it."
First Minister Ambitions
When asked if he still aims to become first minister, he replied: "I have said on a personal point of view, I've always said I'm in this to be first minister. I believe I could do this job if the Scottish people vote for that. If not then we will be a strong voice in opposition."
Lord Offord pledged that if Reform becomes the second largest party, he will "hold the government to account" on devolved matters and "stop the debate about constitutional matters reserved to Westminster." He added: "Let's focus on the day job, let's focus on the roads, the schools, the hospitals, the police – let's focus on making the people of Scotland's lives better."
List Vote Prospects and Criticism of Conservatives
Lord Offord, who is expected to become an MSP through the list vote if he does not win the seat, accused the Conservatives of "splitting the unionist vote" and claimed they are no longer a "national party."
Reacting to Reform wins in local elections in England, he described the results as "historic." He elaborated: "Not just historic for Reform, but historic for the UK. When you think about it, until about 40 years ago, the two parties would always get 90%-plus of the votes. Now, it's just the total collapse of the Labour vote, and Conservatives have gone backwards again after a total collapse of two years ago. So it's a very different landscape."
