Reform UK's newly appointed leader in Scotland has sparked controversy by refusing to commit to publishing his personal tax return, despite insisting he has paid "every penny" of tax owed.
‘A Private Matter’ Says New Scottish Leader
Malcolm Offord, a multi-millionaire former Conservative minister, was unveiled as the party's Scottish chief by Nigel Farage at a press conference in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on Thursday 15 January 2026. The event saw Mr Offord sign a letter to retire from the House of Lords.
When questioned by journalists on whether he would release his tax details, following the lead of other Scottish political figures, Mr Offord was non-committal. "No, I want to think about that," he stated. "Because it's a private matter, it shouldn't necessarily be put out in the public domain – certain things are private."
Farage Steps In to Defend Privacy Stance
Pushed further on his reluctance, Mr Offord received backing from the Reform UK leader himself. Nigel Farage intervened, arguing that other politicians choosing to publish their financial affairs "doesn't make it right".
"I'm not publishing mine, or my inside leg or many other private things," Mr Farage told reporters, firmly supporting his new Scottish lieutenant's position on personal privacy.
Wealth and ‘Normal Life’ Questions
Mr Offord, who reportedly owns a £1.6 million mansion with a private jetty near Loch Lomond purchased mortgage-free, also declined to reveal his net worth. He argued that valuing assets is not straightforward.
When challenged on whether his considerable wealth distances him from the struggles of ordinary voters during the cost-of-living crisis, the soon-to-be former lord reacted strongly. "That's really patronising isn't it?" he retorted.
He pointed to his roots in Greenock, where he had his first job at Aulds bakers, and his current lifestyle. "I come from a completely normal background, I go to work everyday with completely normal people, I go camping with normal people, my family still live in Greenock – I live a normal life," Mr Offord asserted.
He concluded by reaffirming his tax compliance throughout his career: "What I can tell you, is that over all the years... I have paid every penny of tax. I've got nothing to hide, but the question is, do I want to put it out there? I don't know."
