Reform UK MSP Amanda Bland quits to sit as independent

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 20 Oct, 10:31 · Archive

Reform UK MSP Amanda Bland has resigned from the party to sit as an independent at the Scottish Parliament. She was elected as a list MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West in May. Her departure means Reform is now the third-largest party in Holyrood, having previously been tied with Labour for second place.

Bland initially gave no reason for her resignation but later said her decision was made after careful deliberation. She denied claims she had stood down after being called to a meeting about high turnover among her office staff. In a statement, she said her priorities and principles remained unchanged and that her focus "remains firmly" on representing her constituents.

Reform leader Malcolm Offord expressed disappointment at her departure and accused Bland of "squatting" in a seat won by the party. He said she did not have a "personal mandate" to remain as a list MSP and called on her to resign her seat to allow another Reform candidate to take her place. Offord told BBC Radio Scotland that he had not spoken to Bland since she announced her departure. He acknowledged that Bland felt she could make more impact standing as an independent but said Reform "wanted people who could work as a team". He also distinguished Bland's situation from Conservative MSP Graham Simpson's defection to Reform in August, noting that Simpson had only eight months remaining in his term.

Reform UK MSP Amanda Bland quits to sit as independent — Image: BBC Scotland

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How it is being reported

Reform leader accuses MSP of 'squatting' in seat after resignationMalcolm Offord says he is 'disappointed' at Amanda Bland's decision to leave the party and sit as an independent.BBC Scotland · 20 Oct, 10:21
Malcolm Offord hits out at ex-Reform UK MSP accusing her of 'squatting' in HolyroodREFORM UK’s leader in Scotland has hit out at an MSP who suddenly quit the party, accusing them of “squatting” in parliament.The National · 20 Oct, 09:13
Reform MSP quits party in major blow to Malcolm OffordA REFORM UK MSP has quit the party and will sit as an independent, in a major blow to leader Malcolm Offord.The National · 19 Oct, 11:02

In this story: Amanda Bland · Malcolm Offord · Reform UK · Scottish Parliament · Central Scotland and Lothians West

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