Former Conservative Peer Joins Reform UK, Shaking Up Scottish Political Landscape
Published 6 December 2025
Highlights
- Lord Malcolm Offord, a former Conservative peer, has defected to Reform UK, aiming to contest the 2026 Holyrood elections.
- Nigel Farage introduced Offord at a rally in Falkirk, marking Reform UK's largest event in Scotland to date.
- Offord criticized the Scottish Conservatives for lacking vision and accused them of abandoning Scotland.
- Reform UK has seen a surge in support, with membership in Scotland quadrupling to 12,000 in the past year.
- The Scottish Conservatives warned that voting for Reform UK could inadvertently strengthen the SNP's hold on power.
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Rewritten Article
Title: Former Conservative Peer Joins Reform UK, Shaking Up Scottish Political Landscape
In a significant political shift, Lord Malcolm Offord, a former Conservative peer and Scotland Office Minister, has defected to Reform UK. Announced at a rally in Falkirk by Nigel Farage, this move marks a pivotal moment for Reform UK as it seeks to expand its influence in Scotland ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections.
A Bold Move to Reform UK
Lord Offord, who served as the Treasurer of the Scottish Conservatives and was a spokesman on energy in the House of Lords, declared his intention to resign from the Lords to campaign for Reform UK. At the rally, he criticized the Scottish Conservatives for their lack of vision, stating, "The Scottish Conservative Party, I believe, have given up on Scotland." Offord emphasized his commitment to removing the SNP government and promoting a positive vision for Scotland within the UK.
Farage's Rally and Controversies
The rally, attended by approximately 700 supporters, was Reform UK's largest in Scotland to date. Despite the enthusiasm, Nigel Farage avoided engaging with local journalists, leaving Offord to address questions about allegations of racism and antisemitism against Farage. Offord defended Farage, asserting his moral fitness for leadership and dismissing accusations of dog-whistle politics.
Growing Support for Reform UK
Reform UK has gained significant traction in Scotland, with its membership quadrupling to 12,000 over the past year. The party has also made electoral gains, securing 26% of the vote in a recent Holyrood by-election. David Bull, the party chair, expressed confidence in winning up to 20 seats in the upcoming elections, signaling a strong position at Holyrood.
Political Reactions and Implications
The Scottish Conservatives warned that supporting Reform UK could inadvertently bolster the SNP's power. Meanwhile, SNP MP Stephen Gethins criticized the convergence between the Conservatives and Reform, while Scottish Labour's Jackie Baillie dismissed Reform as a party of "failed Conservatives."
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Scenario Analysis
The defection of Lord Offord to Reform UK could significantly impact the political dynamics in Scotland. If Reform UK continues to gain momentum, it may challenge the SNP's dominance and alter the balance of power in Holyrood. However, the party's success will depend on its ability to address controversies surrounding its leadership and present a compelling vision for Scotland's future. As the 2026 elections approach, the political landscape in Scotland is set for a period of intense competition and potential realignment.
In a significant political shift, Lord Malcolm Offord, a former Conservative peer and Scotland Office Minister, has defected to Reform UK. Announced at a rally in Falkirk by Nigel Farage, this move marks a pivotal moment for Reform UK as it seeks to expand its influence in Scotland ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections.
A Bold Move to Reform UK
Lord Offord, who served as the Treasurer of the Scottish Conservatives and was a spokesman on energy in the House of Lords, declared his intention to resign from the Lords to campaign for Reform UK. At the rally, he criticized the Scottish Conservatives for their lack of vision, stating, "The Scottish Conservative Party, I believe, have given up on Scotland." Offord emphasized his commitment to removing the SNP government and promoting a positive vision for Scotland within the UK.
Farage's Rally and Controversies
The rally, attended by approximately 700 supporters, was Reform UK's largest in Scotland to date. Despite the enthusiasm, Nigel Farage avoided engaging with local journalists, leaving Offord to address questions about allegations of racism and antisemitism against Farage. Offord defended Farage, asserting his moral fitness for leadership and dismissing accusations of dog-whistle politics.
Growing Support for Reform UK
Reform UK has gained significant traction in Scotland, with its membership quadrupling to 12,000 over the past year. The party has also made electoral gains, securing 26% of the vote in a recent Holyrood by-election. David Bull, the party chair, expressed confidence in winning up to 20 seats in the upcoming elections, signaling a strong position at Holyrood.
Political Reactions and Implications
The Scottish Conservatives warned that supporting Reform UK could inadvertently bolster the SNP's power. Meanwhile, SNP MP Stephen Gethins criticized the convergence between the Conservatives and Reform, while Scottish Labour's Jackie Baillie dismissed Reform as a party of "failed Conservatives."
What this might mean
The defection of Lord Offord to Reform UK could significantly impact the political dynamics in Scotland. If Reform UK continues to gain momentum, it may challenge the SNP's dominance and alter the balance of power in Holyrood. However, the party's success will depend on its ability to address controversies surrounding its leadership and present a compelling vision for Scotland's future. As the 2026 elections approach, the political landscape in Scotland is set for a period of intense competition and potential realignment.
