Malcolm Offord, the leader of Reform UK in Scotland, has faced criticism after boasting about his wealth during a televised election debate. Offord, a multimillionaire financier and former Conservative life peer, told the STV debate on Tuesday evening that he owns six houses, five cars, and six boats, adding that he has paid £45 million in tax over his career.
The remarks drew immediate backlash from opponents. Scottish Green co-leader Ross Greer told Offord that he would prefer 'fewer people like you,' highlighting that there are three times as many holiday homes and empty properties as homeless children in Scotland. Labour leader Anas Sarwar called Offord 'entitled,' while SNP leader John Swinney described the comments as 'tone deaf.'
Swinney proposed that all party leaders should publish their tax returns before the election on 7 May, indicating he would be 'very happy' to do so himself. Offord has previously refused to disclose his wealth, calling it a private matter, and has not yet responded to requests to publish his tax returns.
Offord, a yachting enthusiast who recently bought a mansion on Loch Lomond for £1.6 million without a mortgage, also faced criticism earlier in the campaign for missing a weekend to sail his yacht in a regatta. He dismissed the criticism, saying, 'Heaven forbid a man has a hobby.'
Housing campaigners expressed frustration at being unable to respond directly due to pre-election rules. Stella Rooney of Living Rent said it is hard to believe someone owning multiple homes understands the housing crisis. Chris Birt of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation emphasised the importance of sharing wealth, noting it is unsustainable for some to have multiple homes while others have none.
