Reform UK's leader in Scotland, Malcolm Offord, is set to promise a significant overhaul of the nation's tax system, a boost in job creation, and a focus on immigration reform during his address at the party's conference in Birmingham.
Offord, who is the West Scotland MSP, stated that his party offers "real world experience" that can surpass the policies of "out-of-touch career politicians." He criticized the Scottish National Party (SNP) government, asserting that it has "run Scotland aground" and is responsible for an economy that is "stagnating" and a projected "£5bn blackhole."
"There are fewer jobs, the benefits bill is ballooning and households are struggling from higher taxes, leaving Scots with less money in their pockets," Offord said, detailing concerns about the current economic climate. He specifically targeted Scotland's six-band income tax system, contrasting it with the three-band systems in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
"The six-band tax system needs to go," Offord declared. He also emphasized the need to "listen to our business leaders to boost jobs and growth" and to address what he described as "Scottish exceptionalism at the top of government that has allowed immigration to bankrupt Scottish councils."
Reform UK secured 17 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) in the May elections, making it the joint second-largest party in Holyrood. Offord's speech is scheduled for the final day of the party's gathering.