Malcolm Offord: I’m in this to be first minister

Malcolm Offord has said he fought the Holyrood election to become Scotland’s first minister.

But the Reform UK Scotland leader admitted it will be difficult to beat the incumbent SNP in the seat of Inverclyde, where he is standing.

He told the Press Association: “That’s a big challenge for us, because this is an SNP heartland, it has been 20 years, but we’ve got a good response on the doors.

“I’m not going to make any predictions, but we’ve got a good response – we are confident of getting a good result.”

Speaking at the count in Greenock, Lord Offord said he would “of course” be disappointed if he is not elected in the seat where he grew up, and is “in it to win it”.

Asked if he is still running to be first minister, said: “I have said on a personal point of view, I’ve always said I’m in this to be first minister. I believe I could do this job if the Scottish people vote for that.

“If not then we will be a strong voice in opposition.”

Lord Offord pledged to “hold the government to account” on devolved matters and “stop the debate about constitutional matters reserved to Westminster” if Reform becomes the second largest party.

He added: “Let’s focus on the day job, let’s focus on the roads, the schools, the hospitals, the police – let’s focus on making the people of Scotland’s lives better.”

Lord Offord, who is expected to become an MSP through the list vote if he does not win the seat, said the Conservatives are no longer a “national party” as he accused them of “splitting the unionist vote”.

Reacting to Reform wins in local elections in England, he described the results as “historic”.

He added: “Not just historic for Reform, but historic for the UK.

“When you think about it, until about 40 years ago, the two parties would always get 90%-plus of the votes.

“Now, it’s just the total collapse of the Labour vote, and Conservatives have gone backwards again after a total collapse of two years ago. So it’s a very different landscape.”