Conservative councillor becomes 15th Scottish representative to defect to Reform UK

A Scottish Conservative councillor has defected to Reform UK, saying her old party has left her feeling “let down”.

Lauren Knight is the 15th Scottish councillor to join Nigel Farage’s party, joining Reform just one week after the party came third at the Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse by-election.

Knight was elected as a Tory to represent Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford for Aberdeenshire Council.

On Thursday, she announced she was defecting to Reform UK, saying the Conservative party “has left her” and that she “feels let down by so many broken promises”.

“I am ready to drive forward meaningful, lasting change, and I believe that only Reform UK is offering the real and radical change Scotland now needs,” Knight said.

“Scotland has been abandoned by the two party establishment, which continues to prioritise self interests and party politics over genuine change.”

Welcoming her to the party, Glasgow councillor Thomas Kerr said: “Lauren Knight brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to Reform UK and I’m delighted to welcome her onto our team.

“We’re now Scotland’s fastest growing political movement and it’s clear why – the SNP, Labour and Tories have broken Scotland. Reform is on a mission to fix it.”

A Scottish Tory spokesman said: “Under Russell Findlay, we’re reconnecting with common sense conservative values of enterprise, self-reliance, fiscal responsibility and the rule of law.

“Every poll shows that Reform will only help the SNP. As we saw in last year’s general election, they handed several seats to the SNP which would have otherwise gone to a pro-UK party.

“Reform are likely to stand pro-independence candidates in the 2026 election and Nigel Farage has even said he’s not worried about the SNP getting another five years in power.

“The Scottish Conservatives will continue to work hard to rebuild trust with disillusioned voters by holding the failing SNP Government to account and promoting common sense conservative values.”