Monitoring desk
Reform UK has suffered a setback in Scotland after MSP Amanda Bland resigned from the party to sit as an independent member of the Scottish Parliament.
Bland, who represents Central Scotland and Lothians West, confirmed her departure on Monday, October 19, saying the decision had been made after “careful deliberation”.
Her resignation reduces Reform’s representation at Holyrood from 17 to 16 MSPs, allowing Scottish Labour, with 17 seats, to become the second-largest party in the Scottish Parliament behind the governing Scottish National Party (SNP).
Bland said her political priorities remained unchanged, including protecting women and children, improving public services, supporting businesses and reforming the criminal justice system.
She said she believed she could pursue these objectives more effectively as an independent MSP and remained committed to holding the Scottish Government to account.
Reform UK, led in Scotland by Malcolm Offord, expressed disappointment at her departure and urged her to resign her parliamentary seat to allow the next candidate on the party’s regional list to take her place.
The departure could also affect parliamentary proceedings, with Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra expected to gain priority over Reform in questioning First Minister John Swinney.
Bland’s resignation marks the first departure of a Reform MSP from the party at Holyrood since its breakthrough in the May 2026 Scottish Parliament election.
The development raises questions about Reform’s internal cohesion and its ability to maintain its position as a leading opposition force in Scotland. However, Bland has not publicly provided a detailed explanation for leaving the party.
She has confirmed that she intends to continue serving her constituents as an independent MSP.
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