Amanda Bland, an MSP representing Central Scotland and Lothians West, has departed Reform UK Scotland to serve as an independent member of the Scottish Parliament.
The departure weakens Reform UK's parliamentary position significantly. According to BBC News, the party now holds fewer seats than Labour, dropping to third-largest group status at Holyrood. Bland, who entered parliament as a list MSP, has not yet issued a public statement regarding her decision.
Reform UK Scotland has responded by calling for Bland to resign her seat entirely and vacate parliament. The party has not elaborated on the reasons behind this demand or provided further comment on the circumstances of her departure.
This development follows a period of internal turbulence for Reform UK in Scotland. In September 2026, Reform MSPs walked out of the Holyrood chamber during a debate on Scottish independence, with party leader Malcolm Offord describing the debate as an insult to voters and a waste of parliamentary time. The party has also faced scrutiny over its policy platform, with Offord having pledged to dismantle Scotland's six-band income tax system and boost employment at the party conference earlier in the year.
