Reform Scotland loses MSP as Amanda Bland quits for independence

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 11:31 · Archive

Amanda Bland, Reform Scotland's justice spokeswoman, has resigned from the party to sit as an independent MSP, reducing Malcolm Offord's group from 17 to 16 members. Bland, who was elected from the Central Scotland and Lothians West regional list, did not give a reason for her resignation. A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said she wrote to the Presiding Officer to inform him of her immediate departure.

Reform has called on Bland to resign her seat entirely so that constituents can be represented by the next candidate on the regional list. A party spokesperson said the remaining MSPs remained 'talented and united', and suggested Bland should 'reflect on her reasons for choosing to isolate herself from that team'. Her departure means Scottish Labour are now the second largest party at Holyrood, joint with Reform at 16 MSPs.

How it is being reported

• Reform loses joint second place at Holyrood after MSP Amanda Bland quits partyReform has lost its status as joint second biggest party in Holyrood following the resignation of an MSP.Glasgow Times · 19 Oct, 11:46
• Reform Scotland loses its first MSP just months after Holyrood breakthroughAmanda Bland, Reform Scotland's justice spokeswoman, has left the party to sit as an independent at Holyrood, reducing Malcolm Offord's group to 16 MSPs. No explanation has yet been given for the split.The Herald · 19 Oct, 10:46

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

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