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BBC Scotland News reported on Conservative MSP Graham Simpson’s defection to Reform. Simpson made the announcement at a press conference in Scotland alongside Reform leader Nigel Farage. The move was described as “an enormous wrench” for Simpson, making him the second MSP to leave the party’s Holyrood group in a week. The Scottish Conservative party stated that they remain focused on holding the SNP and Labour accountable, with a commitment to driving the economy forward and addressing key issues like NHS waiting lists and education.
Simpson, who has been an MSP for the Central Scotland region since 2016 and previously worked as a journalist, expressed his decision to join Reform as a means to create something new and lasting. He highlighted the opportunity to prioritize the needs of people over the system and emphasized the potential for Reform to help remove the SNP from power after nearly two decades. Farage, during the press conference, announced plans for a Scottish leader to be in place before the next Holyrood election, contradicting earlier statements regarding timing to prevent internal conflicts within the party.
Farage’s visit coincided with escalating tensions and discussions around immigration issues. Reform introduced Operation Restoring Justice, aiming to address migration concerns by proposing the deportation of 600,000 migrants over five years if the party secures power in the next election. This initiative sparked debates on immigration as a top concern for Scots, following a recent poll indicating a significant rise in its priority among voters. The visit also prompted responses from political figures like Scottish Labour’s Jackie Baillie, who criticized Simpson’s move to Reform as a desperate bid to salvage his political career.
Richard Tice, the deputy to Nigel Farage, previously indicated that Reform would select a leader post-election to prevent internal rifts. However, Farage’s recent announcement during the press conference in Broxburn suggested a different timeline for appointing a Scottish leader. The decision to leave the Tories and join Reform raised questions about Simpson’s motivations and implications for his political future. As Reform gains momentum and attention ahead of the Holyrood election, Simpson’s defection may signal broader shifts within the Scottish political landscape
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