Reform UK's Scottish Leader Defends Claim of Labour Deal Against SNP
Malcolm Offord, leader of Reform UK in Scotland, has reiterated his claim that Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar sought a joint effort to remove the Scottish National Party (SNP) from power. This allegation, initially made during a televised leaders' debate, has been strongly refuted by Sarwar, who labelled it 'nonsense' and a 'desperate lie'.
Contentious Claims and Rebuttals
During a Channel 4 debate, Offord stated that Sarwar had approached him at a prior event, suggesting that 'Reform and Labour' needed to 'work together to remove the SNP'. Sarwar, however, unequivocally denied any such discussion, stating, 'no stitch-ups, no deals, no backroom chats, no back-channel contact with Reform.' He emphasised his sole commitment was to the 'people of Scotland'.
The SNP, in response, suggested a 'grubby deal' had been exposed, implying Sarwar would collaborate with Reform if it offered a path to power. Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton dismissed the talk of a deal as 'dirty tricks' and ruled out any alliance with Reform UK, whom he described as 'part of the problem'.
Debate Over Advertising and Energy Policy
Offord also faced criticism during the debate regarding Reform UK's billboard adverts, which depicted asylum seekers under the slogan 'Scotland is at breaking point'. SNP leader John Swinney accused the posters of 'inciting tension and division'. Offord defended the campaign, arguing it 'honestly reflect[s] the views of local Scottish people, especially in our working class communities'.
Furthermore, Offord aligned with former US President Donald Trump's call for increased North Sea oil and gas extraction, stating, 'drill, Mili, drill is what I would say' in reference to UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. This stance was opposed by Swinney and Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay, who advocated for a transition to renewable energy. Sarwar and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay, conversely, supported a 'sensible energy mix' including continued oil and gas extraction and nuclear power, with Sarwar backing existing projects like Rosebank and Jackdaw.
