Reform aiming to become 'main opposition party' in Scotland

Reform UK candidate Thomas Kerr has said that he hopes to see the party become the main opposition party in Scotland.

However, Kerr, a senior figure in the party in Scotland, told STV News that a single MSP elected would be a “good result” for the party.

“We currently have one person in the Scottish parliament, and that’s Graham Simpson, who defected, so any MSPs are good, but I’m very, very hopeful that we’re going to see Reform become the main opposition if not challenging the SNP to really win this election.

“I’m feeling really, really upbeat when we’re out and about in the country, so I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people.

When questioned on reports that leader Malcolm Offord “bought his way into the party”, Kerr called it “nonsense”.

“Malcolm is a successful man who’s worked hard to get to where he is”, he said.

“I think he donated a small sum to his campaign in the West of Scotland which is fine just to help his election, help other candidates in the West of Scotland, it’s nowhere near the size the press are trying to make out.”

The politician is said to have been “attacked” while delivering leaflets in Shettleston in the east end on Friday.

Reform UK Scotland blamed the rhetoric of other parties for the incident.

A spokesperson for the party said: “What has been witnessed on the streets of Glasgow today against Thomas Kerr was beyond unacceptable – free speech is important, but no politician should be subjected to violence while out campaigning.

“The language of our opponents – describing candidates as ‘racist’, ‘fascist’, or ‘far-right’ – is having real life consequences and is not productive to promoting healthy democracy.”