Reform is calling for a vote of no confidence in drugs minister Maree Todd, after figures released this week showed Scotland has the worst rate of drug deaths in Europe.
The figures, released by the National Records of Scotland, showed drugs deaths rose by 11% to 1,133 in 2025
More than 11,000 people have died from drug use in Scotland over the past decade.
On Thursday, Reform said it was calling for a vote of no confidence in Todd, who was appointed drugs minister in May 2026 following the Holyrood elections.
Thomas Kerr, Reform deputy leader in Scotland, told STV News: “Today we are calling for a no confidence vote in Maree Todd as minister for drugs. We’ve seen a 11% increase over the past year since she took on that role, and it is absolutely devastating for families like mine over the past ten years, that have seen an increase in these drug deaths.
“Maree Todd should be held responsible. Malcolm tried to ask John Swinney today if she was going to be held responsible. She’s not interested in it.”
“So today we’ve called for a no confidence vote in her.
The party’s vote of no confidence would need the support of 25 MSPs.
Reform has 17 MSPs, including Scotland leader Malcolm Offord, and would therefore need support from another party.
When asked if the party is confident the threshold would be reached, Kerr replied: “I think if you listen to all the parties in the chamber today, all of us were singing from the same hymn sheet on the fact that this is Scotland’s national disgrace.
“This is an emergency. People are dying because of SNP policies. So I’m hopeful that the opposition parties will unite behind us to say enough is enough. It’s time to put this minister out of pasture and make sure that we can deal with the issue.”
If the threshold for 25 MSPs is reached, the vote could be taken as early as next week.
More to follow
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