Reform UK has unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Holyrood election, proposing a significant reduction in the number of MSPs and quangos. The party aims to cut the number of constituencies from 73 to 57, reducing the total number of MSPs. Additionally, it pledges to 'shut down the quangos and return their powers to democratically-elected ministers supported by the civil service'. Scottish party leader Malcolm Offord suggested a quarter of quangos could be scrapped initially, with the possibility of reinstating some after review.
On energy, the manifesto includes pro-fossil fuel policies such as scrapping all net zero targets set by the Scottish Government and fast-tracking planning for new energy projects, including open cast coal mining. The party also promises to increase prison capacity and impose longer sentences for repeat offenders, though it remains unclear whether new prisons would be built.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Lord Offord described the manifesto as 'an unashamedly ambitious vision for a prosperous and flourishing Scotland', criticising the SNP's 19 years of 'managed decline'. Reform UK chairman David Bull emphasised the high stakes of the May election, calling it 'the last chance saloon for Scotland and the United Kingdom'. He noted recent polling showing Reform UK at 20% in Scotland, putting it in second place alongside Labour.
