Millionaire former Conservative donor Malcolm Offord has left the party to join Reform UK, pledging to campaign against the current Scottish government. Announced by Reform leader Nigel Farage at a rally in Falkirk, Offord said he would resign his Conservative Party membership and his seat in the House of Lords, aiming to stand for election in Holyrood next May. Offord, who has donated nearly £150,000 to the Conservatives, stated his intention to work for a 'prosperous, happy, healthy' Scotland and to present a positive vision for the country within the United Kingdom.

The defection comes as Nigel Farage faces renewed scrutiny over historical allegations of racism from his school days, which he denies. Reform UK representatives have dismissed the claims and accused media outlets of attempting to undermine their electoral prospects.