Reform UK's leader in Scotland, Malcolm Offord, has criticised what he calls 'fake outrage' over a joke he made about the late pop star George Michael, which he admitted was 'probably homophobic'. The remarks were made at a rugby club dinner in 2018 and have drawn widespread criticism from other parties as campaigning for May's Scottish Parliament election begins.
Speaking on Friday, Offord told BBC Radio Scotland's Breakfast programme: 'The fake outrage on this has been quite astonishing in the media.' He claimed to have received a 'huge amount' of public support, with many asking why a bad joke and apology were such a big deal. Offord contrasted his situation with that of former SNP council leader Jordan Linden, found guilty of five sexual assaults, and former Scottish health secretary Michael Matheson, who resigned over iPad charges.
Offord acknowledged the joke was 'probably' homophobic, calling it a mistake. He said: 'I don't have any issue with homophobia, I've got a lot of gay friends. It was an error of judgment.' He stressed the comments were made eight years ago, before he became a politician, and that he had apologised and donated around £2,000 to Kings Cross Steelers, described as the world's first gay-inclusive rugby union club.
First Minister John Swinney said Offord is not fit to be an MSP, but Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay argued the joke should not be a bar to office, though he would 'probably' sack a candidate for similar remarks. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called the remarks 'horrific', while SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn described the joke as 'disgusting' and questioned how Offord could lead a political party.
