Reform UK MSP quits as Labour becomes second biggest party in blow to Nigel Farage

The former primary school teacher is now being urged to resign as an MSP to allow another Reform UK representative to take her seat in the Scottish Parliament.

However, Ms Bland remains intent on representing her constituents without taking the party whip.

In a resignation letter, Ms Bland 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.”

Meanwhile, Reform UK is leading calls for Ms Bland to step down.

“We can confirm Amanda Bland has resigned as a Reform UK member of the Scottish Parliament to sit as an independent MSP,” a party spokesman 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.”

Ms Bland’s resignation means Reform UK is no longer the joint largest party in the Scottish Parliament, with Labour’s 17 MSPs now edging ahead of the 16 signed up to Mr Farage’s outfit.

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.”

SNP MSP Alex Kerr added: “Just a few months after the election and Nigel Farage’s gang at Holyrood is falling apart.

“The hatred spread by Reform is intended to divide Scottish communities, but it’s clear that hateful division has begun to consume their own party.”

Reform UK’s Scottish woes came shortly after Sarah Cooper-Lesadd defected to Plaid Cymru in Wales.

Mr Farage’s party suffered a second setback in Cardiff Bay after Reform UK’s Welsh leader, Dan Thomas, resigned following his arrest on suspicion of assault and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour.

Mr Thomas, who denies any wrongdoing, was released without charge and bailed pending further police enquiries.

Meanwhile, 61 Reform UK councillors have resigned since May 7, with dozens switching to Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain.

A drop in support in the opinion polls has also coincided with Reform UK losing key council seats to Labour.