Reform UK Scotland MSPs elect leader and deputy leader in bid to ‘challenge status quo’

The party returned 17 MSPs at the Scottish Parliament election, tying with Labour for second place.

Reform UK Scotland’s new MSPs have elected the party’s leader and deputy leader. Thomas Kerr will be deputy while Lord Malcolm Offord will retain the top spot after already being appointed leader by Nigel Farage.

The party’s Holyrood group confirmed the posts on Saturday night. Mr Kerr is a former Tory councillor who defected to Reform last year, and on Friday was confirmed as one of the party’s 17 MSPs at Holyrood.

He was Lord Offord’s de facto deputy and was widely considered to be up for the role, which he said he was “honoured” to accept.

Mr Kerr added: “Across Scotland, people are crying out for honest leadership, practical policies, and politicians who are prepared to stand up for ordinary working people.

“Reform UK Scotland is building a movement that will challenge the status quo and bring real change to Scottish politics.

“I look forward to working with colleagues across the country to grow our support and deliver a stronger voice for Scotland.”

Lord Offord said: “Thomas is a talented and dedicated politician who understands the concerns of people right across the country. His dedication and passion for delivering change make him the ideal choice as deputy leader.

“Together, we will continue building a credible and ambitious movement focused on lower taxes, safer communities, economic growth, and restoring trust in politics.”

The party said Mr Kerr, one of its most vocal members on social media, would play a leading role in shaping party strategy and “engaging with voters” throughout Scotland.

Reform UK Scotland said the appointment “reflects the party’s determination to strengthen its leadership team and continue growing its support base nationwide”.

The party returned 17 MSPs at the Scottish election, tying with Labour for second place. The SNP finished first with 58 MSPs, while the Greens, Conservatives and Lib Dems won 15, 12 and 10 seats respectively.

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