Malcolm Offord’s Defection to Reform UK Reshapes Scottish Political Landscape
Historic Political Shift in Scotland
On 6 December 2025, Offord defected to Reform UK at a rally broadcast live from Falkirk, Scotland. It means that Reform UK now boast their first peer in the House of Lords. This high-profile defection represents a significant blow to the Scottish Conservative Party and signals a potential realignment of right-wing politics in Scotland ahead of the May 2026 Holyrood elections.
Who is Malcolm Offord?
Malcolm Ian Offord, Baron Offord of Garvel (born 5 September 1964) is a Scottish financier and politician who has been a member of the House of Lords since 2021. He served as a minister under three successive Prime Ministers: Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. He previously served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exports. His extensive background in finance and government makes him a valuable addition to Reform UK’s leadership team.
Reasons Behind the Defection
His criticisms of his former party were strikingly pointed, accusing the Conservatives of ‘giving up’ on Scotland. The former minister said: “What I found, quite candidly, is a party which is regional not national, parochial not political, timid not ambitious; a party without a vision of how to govern Scotland with a right-of-centre agenda.” Offord cited his Unionism as the main motive for his defection.
Political Implications and Future Plans
Lord Offord confirmed he would stand at the Scottish Parliament elections in May. He said he would give up his place in the House of Lords as he prepares to campaign for a seat at Holyrood. With Farage’s party now polling at 20 per cent in Scotland, the Conservatives risk losing their status in May as the primary vehicle for centre-right Unionism north of the border. This defection could encourage further Conservative members to consider similar moves, potentially reshaping the political landscape in Scotland for years to come.