Labour move to second largest party in Scotland after Reform Scotland MSP quits

MSP Amanda Bland has quit Reform Scotland, meaning Scottish Labour is now the second biggest party in Holyrood.

Bland, who was Reform’s justice spokeswoman at Holyrood, was elected from the regional list in May.

She has yet to comment publicly on the resignation and is now listed on the Scottish Parliament website as an independent.

With Reform Scotland now down to 16 MSPs, the resignation of the Central Scot and Lothians West MSP means that Scottish Labour are now the second-largest party in the Parliament.

Reform has now called on Bland to quit Holyrood so that she can be replaced by the next candidate on the list.

A spokesperson for the party said: “We can confirm Amanda Bland has resigned as a Reform UK member of the Scottish Parliament to sit as an independent MSP.

“We are proud of a talented and united team of MSPs at Holyrood who have supported each other at every step of the way.

“Amanda Bland should reflect on her reasons for choosing to isolate herself from that team of capable individuals.

“It is incumbent on her to resign as a regional MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West and allow her constituents to be represented by the next Reform candidate on that list.”

A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Amanda Bland wrote to the Presiding Officer today to advise him that she would be serving as an independent Member with immediate effect. The Parliament website has been updated accordingly.

“The Presiding Officer will notify the Bureau of associated changes to business prior to Parliament resuming next week.”

Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said: “No one will be surprised to see chaos at the heart of Reform.

“They have always been a group of chancers, grifters and Tories in disguise.

“Despite all the big talk and promises ahead of the election, Nigel Farage’s party has been utterly useless at holding the SNP to account or getting results for the Scottish people, it’s been a series of stunts, gimmicks, photo calls and precious little else.

“Scottish Labour is now the second largest party at Holyrood, and we will work to hold the SNP to account and deliver better outcomes for the people of Scotland.”

In a statement, Ms Bland confirmed her intention to sit as an independent MSP.

She said: “To confirm today, I have formally resigned from Reform UK Scotland. This is my decision, made after careful deliberation.

“My priorities and principles remain unchanged. I entered politics to champion fairness and common sense, protect women and children, improve public services, support businesses to thrive, and work towards a fairer and more effective criminal justice system.

“As a member of the Criminal Justice Committee, I remain committed to scrutinising legislation, holding the justice system to account and supporting practical measures that improve public safety, protect victims and ensure justice is served.

“Holding the Scottish Government to account remains a key priority, and I believe I can best pursue these goals as an Independent MSP.

“My responsibility to the people and communities I represent across Central Scotland and Lothians West remains unchanged. I will continue to work hard on their behalf, focusing on the issues that matter to them.

“My focus remains firmly on representing the people of Central Scotland and Lothians West and holding the Scottish Government to account in the public interest.

“I will not be making any further statements or giving interviews regarding Reform UK. My focus is on my responsibilities as an Independent MSP and on serving the people and communities I represent.”