Reform UK Splits Over Potential Labour Deal in Scottish Parliament
Significant internal divisions within Reform UK widened on Wednesday, as a senior party figure indicated a willingness to strike a deal with Labour—but only under specific conditions. The controversy centres on whether Reform would support or be supported by Labour in forming a Scottish government, revealing deep rifts within the party's leadership.
Conflicting Statements from Senior Figures
Glasgow councillor Thomas Kerr initially dismissed the idea of any collaboration with Labour, stating emphatically that there would be 'no deals with us and Labour'. He labelled suggestions that Reform could help Anas Sarwar secure power as 'nonsense'. However, Kerr later qualified his position, suggesting that Labour 'could prop us up' if Reform becomes the second-largest party and the SNP is unable to form an administration.
This nuanced stance contrasts sharply with that of Reform's Scottish leader, Lord Malcolm Offord, who declared that 'under no circumstances' could he work with Mr Sarwar. Meanwhile, Graham Simpson, the party's only MSP in the last parliamentary term, appeared more open to a potential deal with Labour, further highlighting the discord.
Kerr's Conditional Support for Labour
When questioned about the prospect of a deal with Labour, Kerr elaborated on his position. He rejected the notion of supporting Anas Sarwar merely based on unionist sympathies, stating: 'The idea I would prop up Anas Sarwar simply because he prefers the Union Jack to a saltire is nonsense for me.'
Kerr pointed to recent polling showing Reform consistently in second place, suggesting a potential unionist majority in the Scottish Parliament. He argued that if such polls materialise, Malcolm Offord would be in 'pole position to be First Minister'. Kerr framed the decision as one for Labour, asking: 'Would he work with us?'
He expressed willingness to collaborate with any party on delivering Reform's priorities but firmly stated he would not install a First Minister from a party in third place. Criticising Labour as 'SNP-lite', Kerr warned that an 'unstable' government could allow nationalist parties to regain strength.
Scenario for a Potential Deal
Kerr outlined a specific scenario for a potential deal with Labour, contingent on Reform's electoral performance. He explained: 'Whoever is the biggest party will have the first right to form a government, that is John Swinney. If that doesn’t work it is up to the second-largest party, I intend that to be Malcolm Offord and Reform UK.'
He added that Reform would then attempt to form a stable government, placing the onus on Anas Sarwar to decide whether to support Malcolm Offord's bid for Bute House or accept 'five more years of rotten John Swinney in power'.
Personal Attacks and Internal Tensions
The divisions within Reform UK were further underscored by personal attacks among party figures. Anas Sarwar claimed that Graham Simpson had privately described Lord Offord as 'useless' and Thomas Kerr as a 'weasel'. When confronted with these allegations, Kerr responded: 'He phoned me before the story broke to assure me he did not call me a weasel. My response was I’ve been called a lot worse.'
Controversy Over Far-Right Endorsements
Amidst the political maneuvering, Lord Offord confirmed to ITV Border that he has instructed Reform candidates not to endorse far-right activist Tommy Robinson. This directive followed a row involving Senga Beresford, Reform's candidate for Galloway and West Dumfries, who appeared to endorse Robinson and replied 'me' to a social media post advocating for the deportation of Muslims.
Kerr defended Beresford, stating: 'She didn’t endorse Tommy Robinson, she supported the work he had done on the grooming gangs scandal, which I think a lot of people can genuinely acknowledge there has been some good work that he has done on that specific issue.'
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie criticised Lord Offord's response, accusing him of being 'too spineless to stand up to his candidates—even when they are backing the mass deportation of Scots for their religion.'
The unfolding drama within Reform UK highlights the party's struggle to present a united front as it navigates complex political alliances and internal disagreements ahead of potential Scottish elections.
