The newly appointed leader of Reform UK in Scotland has called for any potential Scottish independence referendum to be postponed for at least a decade, placing economic growth ahead of constitutional debate.
A Decade of Economic Focus Before IndyRef2
Speaking to the BBC Scotland Sunday Show on Sunday 18 January 2026, Lord Malcolm Offord argued that the Scottish Parliament should focus on the "day job" for two full terms. He stated that the economy "had to be the focus for the next 10 years", criticising what he described as the creation of a "welfare economy" over the past ten years.
Lord Offord, who defected from the Conservatives in December, was appointed to the role by Nigel Farage. However, he was keen to stress that Farage "would not be dictating the policies" for the Scottish wing of the party, which is preparing a distinct manifesto for devolved matters ahead of the Holyrood election in May 2026.
Tax, Welfare, and the NHS
The former businessman outlined his party's stance on key issues, emphasising the need to grow the tax base. He pointed out that of Scotland's 3.5 million people of working age, one million do not work, a situation he believes must change to fund welfare spending without over-taxing those in employment.
"People are being taxed too much here," Lord Offord said. "At the moment the people with broad shoulders are actually shrugging their shoulders… they are being squeezed too far."
On the NHS, he was unequivocal, quoting its founder Aneurin Bevan to affirm that it should remain free at the point of use. "There is no plan to charge for seeing a GP," he confirmed during the interview.
Political Reaction and Constitutional Clash
Lord Offord dismissed First Minister John Swinney's pledge to call for an independence referendum if the SNP wins a majority in May as a "doomloop". He claimed that, from his experience on the doorsteps, the Scottish people are "sick and tired" of the debate and lack consensus.
His comments drew swift criticism from political opponents. Andrew Bowie MP of the Scottish Conservatives accused Reform of helping the SNP, suggesting that splitting the pro-union vote could lead to an SNP majority and that Reform candidates might be "meek on the union".
SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson countered Lord Offord's position, stating: "If the SNP wins a majority in May, that is a clear democratic mandate from the Scottish people to decide our future." He argued that over a decade has passed since the 2014 vote and that Scotland has the right to choose.
As Reform UK prepares to field candidates from professional backgrounds like law, medicine, and education across all 73 Holyrood constituencies, the party's intervention adds a new dynamic to the Scottish political landscape, framing the upcoming election as a choice between economic recovery and constitutional division.
