Nigel Farage has welcomed Lord Malcolm Offord, a former Conservative Party treasurer and Scotland Office minister, as Reform UK's first member in the House of Lords. Announced at a rally in Falkirk, Offord's defection is seen as a significant boost for Reform UK in Scotland, with Farage calling it a 'brave and historic act.' Offord, who will step down from the House of Lords to stand in the Scottish Parliament elections, criticised the Conservatives for lacking ambition and vision for Scotland, promising to campaign for Reform's positive agenda.

Farage used the event to pledge that he would ignore his critics, following renewed allegations about comments he made as a teenager. He emphasised Reform UK's message of hope and change, positioning the party as an alternative to the established political groups. Offord echoed these sentiments, stating his aim to help restore Scotland's prosperity and to challenge the current government. The rally also highlighted other recent defections to Reform UK, underlining the party's growing presence in Scottish politics.