Reform Party No Longer Second-Largest in Scottish Parliament
An MSP's resignation from the Reform UK party in Scotland has shifted the parliamentary balance, leaving Labour as the second-largest bloc.
Reform is no longer the second-largest party in the Scottish Parliament following the resignation of MSP Amanda Bland from the party whip. Bland will now sit as an independent, a move that elevates the Labour Party to become the second-largest bloc in Holyrood. Both parties had secured 17 seats in the election in May.
The departure is expected to affect Reform's standing, including its ability to ask the second question at First Minister's Questions every other week. A spokesperson for Reform UK Scotland urged Bland, a regional MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West, to resign her seat entirely and allow the next candidate on the party list to take her place.
"We can confirm Amanda Bland has resigned as a Reform UK member of the Scottish Parliament to sit as an independent MSP," a party spokesperson stated. "We are proud of a talented and united team of MSPs at Holyrood who have supported each other at every step of the way. Amanda Bland should reflect on her reasons for choosing to isolate herself from that team of capable individuals. It is incumbent on her to resign as a regional MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West and allow her constituents to be represented by the next Reform candidate on that list."
Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie commented on the situation, saying, "No one will be surprised to see chaos at the heart of Reform. They have always been a group of chancers, grifters and Tories in disguise. Despite all the big talk and promises ahead of the election, Nigel Farage's party has been utterly useless at holding the SNP to account or getting results for the Scottish people, it's been a series of stunts, gimmicks, photo calls and precious little else. Scottish Labour is now the second largest party at Holyrood, and we will work to hold the SNP to account and deliver better outcomes for the people of Scotland."
A spokesperson for the Scottish Parliament confirmed that Ms Bland notified presiding officer Kenneth Gibson of her decision on Monday. The parliamentary bureau, responsible for deciding Holyrood's business, will be informed of the implications of this change later this week. As the leader of the joint second-largest party, Reform's Malcolm Offord had previously been able to ask the second question at FMQs. 
