Blow to Reform UK as first MSP quits Holyrood group

Amanda Bland has quit Reform UK and will now sit as an independent.

Her decision pushes Reform into third place behind Scottish Labour in the Scottish Parliament.

Her former party has called on her to resign as an MSP.

In a statement, Bland did not explain the reason behind her decision and said she would not comment further.

She added: “My priorities and principles remain unchanged... Holding the Scottish Government to account remains a key priority, and I believe I can best pursue these goals as an independent MSP.”

The MSP was elected for the first time in May. She was the third Reform member elected for that region, behind Graham Simpson and Amanda Lindsay.

A spokesperson for Reform said: “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.”

Labour and Reform UK were tied on 17 MSPs after the election, but Bland’s resignation drops Reform to 16.

However, if she were to quit as an MSP, the party would regain the seat with the next person on the list for that region being elected.

Reacting to the news, Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “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.”

The change could result in changes to parliamentary business, as previously the two parties have taken turns on speaking slots and who gets the first question during weekly FMQs.

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.”