In a surprising move, the Reform UK party has appointed multimillionaire financier Malcolm Offord as its first Scottish leader, just 10 weeks ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections. Offord, a former Conservative life peer, was unveiled by Reform’s leader Nigel Farage at a press conference in Kirkcaldy, Scotland.
Offord, a yachting enthusiast and classic car collector, recently purchased a £1.6 million mansion on the banks of Loch Lomond without a mortgage. Despite his wealth, the new Scottish Reform leader has refused to disclose his net worth, claiming it is a private matter.
Speaking at the press conference, Offord and Farage ceremoniously signed a letter stating that Offord had “retired” as a peer in order to stand for Holyrood. However, they acknowledged that Offord would remain a life peer, as only an act of Parliament can cancel a life peerage.
When pressed by reporters on whether he would declare his wealth before the May elections, Offord declined to publish his tax returns, stating that his net worth “is not of any relevance to anybody.” He insisted that his financial status does not prevent him from understanding the cost-of-living crisis faced by ordinary voters, arguing that he “mixes with a whole range of people” across Scotland.
Reform UK is expected to field around 100 candidates in the Scottish elections, with Offord claiming they will represent “a very broad cross-section of working life in Scotland, people of real experience, not many professional politicians.” The party’s slate includes midwives, teachers, doctors, and a state prosecutor.
The latest Scottish opinion poll suggests that Reform UK is neck and neck with Labour for second place, behind the Scottish National Party. The poll indicates that the SNP would win 61 seats, short of an overall majority, with Labour and Reform tied on 18 seats each.
The rules for declaring interests at the Scottish Parliament are regarded as tougher than those in the House of Lords, where Offord previously served as a life peer. If he wins a Holyrood seat in May, Offord will be expected to list his properties, shareholdings, directorships, and other assets.
