Malcolm Offord, Reform UK's leader in Scotland, promised to dismantle the six-band income tax system, create jobs and tackle immigration during his address on the final day of the party's annual conference in Birmingham.
The West Scotland MSP took the stage to address party members, positioning Reform as an alternative to what he characterised as exhausted political establishments. Ahead of his remarks, Offord argued that his party demonstrated how "real world experience can top tired tropes from out-of-touch career politicians", and he launched a sustained critique of the Scottish National Party's governance.
Offord claimed the SNP has "run Scotland aground" and urged voters to embrace "Reform's fresh and decisive thinking". He painted a stark picture of Scotland's economic condition, stating: "Things are looking very bleak for Scotland: the economy is stagnating and we are staring at a massive £5bn blackhole with no solutions forthcoming from the tired SNP government."
He continued by highlighting what he saw as mounting pressures on households and businesses.
"There are fewer jobs, the benefits bill is ballooning and households are struggling from higher taxes, leaving Scots with less money in their pockets."
What is Scotland's tax system and why does Offord want to change it?
Scotland operates a six-band income tax structure that diverges significantly from the rest of the United Kingdom. The current system for 2026-27 includes a starter rate of 19% and a top rate of 48%, according to Scottish government figures. This contrasts with the three-band system used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a distinction Offord seized upon as evidence of policy failure.
Offord directly targeted this arrangement, declaring:
"The six-band tax system needs to go, we must start listening to our business leaders to boost jobs and growth across the country and it's time to address the Scottish exceptionalism at the top of government that has allowed immigration to bankrupt Scottish councils."
Reform UK had previously pledged to cut Scottish income tax below England's rates as part of a broader manifesto that included NHS reform, welfare spending reductions and revival of North Sea oil production ahead of the Holyrood elections.
How did Reform perform in recent Scottish elections?
Offord's conference appearance came on the back of a significant breakthrough for Reform in May's Scottish Parliament elections. The party secured 17 MSPs, making them the joint second largest party in Holyrood and establishing themselves as a serious political force north of the border. This result gave Offord a platform to articulate his vision for economic and social policy at the UK-wide conference.
What did UK party leader Nigel Farage say at the conference?
Farage addressed the conference on Friday, delivering remarks that ranged across economic policy, immigration and constitutional reform. He described Britain as "broken" and attacked Prime Minister Andy Burnham for having "no mandate". The party leader outlined a series of policies, promising "radical" tax cuts and pledging that a Reform government would halt small boat crossings within its first 100 days in office.
Farage also threatened to eliminate the House of Lords through a referendum if the upper chamber refused to pass Reform legislation, describing the party's approach as "can do, will do". This stance built on earlier commitments he had made to overhaul both the House of Lords and the judicial appointments process if they obstructed his government's agenda.
What allegations have overshadowed the conference?
Farage's speech took place against a backdrop of serious controversy. A News investigation, carried out by Verbatim Investigations using undercover filming, alleged that Reform officials discussed ways to circumvent electoral law to secure foreign party donations. According to reporting by a major international news agency, the undercover investigation alleged Reform officials discussed arranging for a U.S. company to pay more than £30,000 for three opinion polls commissioned by the party.
In response to the allegations, two senior Reform figures stepped down pending an internal investigation. According to reporting from a major international news agency, James Orr, Reform's head of policy, and Dan Jukes, Farage's senior aide, both stood aside to allow the party to conduct its probe.
Farage defended his party during his conference speech, stating that Reform has "broken no law" and characterising the filming as "entrapment". Verbatim Investigations told a national broadcaster that its reporting was "carried out to the highest journalistic standards".
What other investigations are underway?
The conference scrutiny reflects broader questions about Reform's finances and compliance with electoral rules. According to reporting from a national broadcaster, Farage was expected to be interviewed by the parliamentary standards commissioner Daniel Greenberg over whether he should have declared a £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne. Parliament's standards commissioner had reopened an investigation into whether Farage should have declared gifts, including the substantial donation from the crypto billionaire.
Police were also investigating donations to Reform, including money linked to allies and political donors. These inquiries added to the challenging environment in which the party held its annual conference in Birmingham.
What happens next for Reform?
The party's internal investigation into the allegations remains ongoing, with Orr and Jukes stood aside pending its outcome. Farage was expected to face questioning by the parliamentary standards commissioner regarding the Harborne gift, with interviews anticipated in the near term.
Meanwhile, Reform continues to develop its policy platform. The party had already unveiled a Scottish manifesto earlier in the year that included proposals to abolish Land and Buildings Transaction Tax and business rates in favour of an annual property tax. The party had also pledged to cut £80 billion of public spending within five years through welfare reductions, net zero cuts, overseas aid caps and civil service downsizing, according to reporting from a major international news agency.
Key Facts
- Malcolm Offord pledged to scrap Scotland's six-band income tax system, which has a top rate of 48% compared to three bands in the rest of the UK
- Reform secured 17 MSPs in May's Scottish Parliament elections, making them joint second largest party in Holyrood
- Nigel Farage promised radical tax cuts and pledged to stop small boat crossings within 100 days of a Reform government taking office
- Two senior Reform figures, James Orr and Dan Jukes, stepped down pending an internal investigation into allegations of electoral law breaches following undercover filming
- Farage faces expected questioning from the parliamentary standards commissioner over a £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne
