Offord joins Reform UK after announcing his candidacy for the 2026 Holyrood election. The former Scotland Office minister will also return his peerage and leave the House of Lords. He aims to dedicate himself fully to campaigning across Scotland.
The announcement came during a Reform rally at the Inchyra Macdonald Hotel in Falkirk, where Nigel Farage addressed supporters. Farage once again avoided speaking directly to the Scottish media, prompting questions from reporters.
When asked about Farage’s media absence, Offord explained, “He has been here for three hours and doing the whole show.” The Scottish press had hoped to question Farage over historic allegations of racism and antisemitism. Holocaust survivors had also requested an apology from him regarding these claims.
Offord said he could not comment on matters he was unfamiliar with. Instead, he described Farage as “morally fit to be prime minister.” He added that his focus was on offering Scotland a new political alternative to the SNP.
Hundreds attended the rally, including Donald Macdonald, the hotel chain founder, who offered the venue free of charge. During his speech, Farage criticised Glasgow schools where one in three children reportedly speak English as a second language. He suggested the change had altered the city’s cultural landscape.
Offord defended Farage’s comments, stating, “I don’t consider it an attack. He highlighted a factual issue people are discussing on the doorstep.” He insisted the remarks were not a dog whistle but a concern that required resolution.
The rally also highlighted Reform UK’s policy ambitions. Graham Simpson, the party’s sole MSP, outlined infrastructure plans, including dualing the A9 and A96, upgrading the A75 and A1, and introducing a 20-year ferry replacement programme. The party also pledged to abolish land and buildings transaction tax, create regional housing authorities, and merge certain government departments.
Reform UK announced plans to develop its own tartan and clothing line, including hats, scarves, and kilts. Chairman Dr David Bull said he would address Scottish members in “full Highland regalia.”
Outside the hotel, protesters voiced opposition to Reform UK’s platform. Green MSP Maggie Chapman criticised the party, arguing it normalises prejudice against migrants and children in multilingual communities.
Offord joins Reform UK at a critical moment as the party seeks to expand its influence in Scotland ahead of next year’s elections.
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