The latest Tory politician to join Reform ranks has sent a message to Kemi Badenoch after Nigel Farage announced the surprise defection in Scotland.
Speaking to GB News, Malcolm Offord revealed how he plans to stand for Reform at next year’s Holyrood elections while the party continues to climb in the polls.
Lord Offord of Garvel became the first member of the House of Lords to join Reform UK as he announced his departure from the Conservative Party.
The shock announcement was made while Mr Farage was addressing supporters in Falkirk to mark six months until the next round of local elections.
The former Lord previously served as a Tory life peer in the House of Lords but, as he hangs up his Conservative hat, he will give up the honour.
GB News reporter Tony McGuire asked: “Losing that pragmatism means that you also lose some friends. You walk away from the Conservative Party you’ve been with for a long time now.
“You said some poignant words to the likes of Alister Jack and Kemi Badenoch. Would you like to share them again with us?”
But, in response, Mr Offord revealed that he had not been able to be in touch with either colleague.
Nigel Farage welcomed the newest addition to his team north of the border this morning
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GB NEWS
“Ordinarily one would be in the position to make to forewarn of something like this, but just with the modern world that we are in, and the way modern media works have not been able to make those personal phone calls.
“And I just said there, this is not personal for me. This is very much a Scottish thing.
“Scotland wants a new narrative against the SNP and against Labour. It wants a narrative of responsibility and prosperity. It wants a narrative to create better communities and create a stronger economy.
“I have come to the view that the Scottish Conservative Party are not do not have that vision or ambition, and it’s a sad and reluctant view that I’ve come to.
Mr Farage addressed a jam-packed audience with a booming speech
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PA
“We need a new movement, a new party to deliver that and Reform UK as a vehicle to do that.”
The former Tory brings along extensive political experience to the populist party, which is filled with plenty of individuals who have not yet held the reins of Government.
Mr Offord served as Minister of State for Scotland between 2021 and 2024, and was also Minister of State for Exports between 2023 and 2024.
Additionally, he was the former Treasurer of the Scottish Conservatives.
Welcoming the former Tory peer, Mr Farage said: “I am delighted to welcome Malcolm to Reform.
“This is a brave and historic act. He will take Reform UK Scotland to a new level,” he declared amid a feverish round of rampant applause.
Mr Offord said: “I am delighted to join Reform UK Scotland. We have an important election coming up in May next year.
“Scotland is crying out for a centre-right narrative to make the country prosperous once again. Scotland needs Reform and Reform is coming to Scotland.”