The leader of Reform UK in Scotland has accused a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) of "squatting" in a seat won by the party, following the MSP's resignation from Reform to sit as an independent.
Malcolm Offord stated that Amanda Bland, elected as a list MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West, does not possess a "personal mandate" to retain her position in the Scottish Parliament after leaving the party. Bland has denied claims that her departure was prompted by a meeting concerning high turnover among her office staff.
Offord expressed disappointment but indicated that Reform seeks members who can collaborate effectively as a team. Bland's departure reduces the party's representation in the Holyrood chamber to third place, behind the SNP and Labour.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast, Offord differentiated Bland's situation from that of Reform MSP Graham Simpson, who defected from the Scottish Conservatives in August 2025 without resigning his seat. Offord noted that Simpson had only eight months remaining in his term before the May election, whereas Bland is only a few months into a five-year tenure. "She is now proposing to squat in a list place won by Reform for four-and-a-half years," Offord said. He argued that list MSPs are elected based on party votes, contrasting this with constituency MSPs who, in his view, have a personal mandate.
A source close to Reform told BBC Scotland that Bland's departure was reportedly due to her being perceived as "difficult to work with." However, Bland asserted in a statement that her principles and priorities remain unchanged and that she believes she can best hold the Scottish government to account as an independent MSP.
Under Holyrood's rules, a list MSP resigning their seat would typically be replaced by the party's next candidate. Bland's decision to remain as an independent means Reform now has 16 MSPs, one fewer than Labour's 17. This shift will affect their position as the main opposition during first minister's questions.
Offord described the party's slip to third place as "irritating" but stated it would not hinder their objectives. He emphasized Reform's focus on building a team and recruiting talented individuals prepared to work collaboratively.
Offord also commented on the perceived "poisonous atmosphere" at the Scottish Parliament, suggesting that other parties are "resentful" of Reform's presence. He cited the party's controversial debate about banning face-coverings, including burkas, from public places as an example of the reactions they have faced. He noted that some Reform MSPs have been surprised by the level of "vitriol" and "unpleasantness" within the chamber.