Reform UK Scotland MSP Resigns, Party Calls for Her to Quit Parliament
Amanda Bland's departure to sit as an independent follows Labour's rise to second-largest party in Scottish Parliament.
Callum Smith
Reform UK Scotland MSP Amanda Bland has resigned the party whip.
Bland notified the presiding officer and the parliamentary bureau of her decision on Monday. Her departure comes as Labour establishes itself as Scotland's second-biggest party in the Scottish Parliament.
A Reform UK Scotland spokesperson confirmed, "We can confirm Amanda Bland has resigned as a Reform UK member of the Scottish Parliament to sit as an independent MSP." The spokesperson urged Bland to reflect on her reasons for choosing to isolate herself from a team of capable individuals.
We can confirm Amanda Bland has resigned as a Reform UK member of the Scottish Parliament to sit as an independent MSP.
The spokesperson added that Bland should resign as a regional MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West. This would allow her constituents to receive representation from the next Reform candidate on that list.
Despite these comments, Reform UK Scotland also affirmed, "We are proud of a talented and united team of MSPs at Holyrood who have supported each other at every step of the way."
Amanda Bland has not yet commented publicly on her resignation. Dame Jackie Baillie claimed Nigel Farage’s party has been "utterly useless at holding the SNP to account or getting results for the Scottish people."
Jackie Baillie further stated, "Scottish Labour is now the second largest party at Holyrood, and we will work to hold the SNP to account and deliver better outcomes for the people of Scotland."