MSP Amanda Bland has quit Reform UK Scotland to sit as an independent in a huge blow for the party in Holyrood.
Reform defections, resignations and by-election defeats are ten a penny nowadays, but this is probably one of the most consequential departures the party has suffered this year.
That’s because Bland’s resignation has seen Reform relegated to the third biggest party in Holyrood, with Labour now the official opposition in the Scottish parliament.
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After May’s Scottish elections, Labour and Reform had been tied on 17 seats in the Scottish Parliament.
By falling behind Labour in Holyrood, Reform will likely lose its second place in the order to question John Swinney at First Minister’s Questions every other week.
A reason has not been given for the Central Scotland and Lothians West regional MSP’s departure, but Reform confirmed in a statement on Monday that Bland had resigned the whip.
“We can confirm Amanda Bland has resigned as a Reform UK member of the Scottish Parliament to sit as an independent MSP,” a spokesman for the party said.
“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.”
Bland ignores Reform pleas to resign as MSP
Reform have urged Bland to resign as an MSP and be replaced by another Reform candidate. However, Bland has said she intends to carry on as an MSP.
She said in a statement that her focus “remains firmly” on representing her constituents, the National reports.
“To confirm today, I have formally resigned from Reform UK Scotland,” Bland said. “This is my decision, made after careful deliberation.
“My priorities and principles remain unchanged. I entered politics to champion fairness and common sense, protect women and children, improve public services, support businesses to thrive, and work towards a fairer and more effective criminal justice system.”
She added: “My focus remains firmly on representing the people of Central Scotland and Lothians West, and holding the Scottish Government to account in the public interest.
“I will not be making any further statements or giving interviews regarding Reform UK.
“My focus is on my responsibilities as an independent MSP and on serving the people and communities I represent.”
‘More chaos at the heart of Reform’
Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said Bland’s departure is evidence of the “chaos at the heart of Reform.”
“They have always been a group of chancers, grifters and Tories in disguise,” she added.
Scottish Lib Dem MSP David Green said it was “no surprise to see Reform’s wheels coming off”, whilst a Scottish Tory spokesman said Reform were weak and ineffective at Holyrood.”
SNP MSP Alex Kerr added: “Just a few months after the election and Nigel Farage’s gang at Holyrood is falling apart.
“The hatred spread by Reform is intended to divide Scottish communities, but it’s clear that hateful division has begun to consume their own party.”