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Reform UK Scotland has criticized other political parties at Holyrood for what it describes as “childish” behavior after they collectively decided not to collaborate with Malcolm Offord’s party in the newly formed parliament. Following Reform’s recent electoral breakthrough in Scotland, parties including the SNP, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Labour have openly stated they will not engage in cooperation with Reform.
SNP leader John Swinney has initiated discussions with the heads of these parties aiming to establish a new government but has explicitly excluded Reform Scotland leader Malcolm Offord from these talks. Helen McDade, one of Reform’s newly elected 17 MSPs representing Mid Scotland and Fife, has urged political rivals to cease what she calls political “posturing.” She emphasized that the election results indicate a public desire for cross-party cooperation and emphasized that Reform remains “open to that.”
The SNP secured its fifth consecutive Scottish Parliament victory, winning 58 seats. Both Reform and Labour each won 17 seats, while the Greens attained 15. The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats secured 12 and 10 seats, respectively. McDade highlighted that although Reform’s goals may not fully align with other parties, many key objectives—such as improving Scotland, revitalizing the economy, and balancing private and public sector interests—should unite them. She stated on BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast, “We live in a democracy and people have voted,” warning that a refusal to cooperate with Reform would “play very badly” with voters.
Moreover, McDade condemned the hostile rhetoric directed at Reform members by other parties, suggesting it could increase the risk faced by Reform politicians when in public. While formal cooperation agreements are uncommon at Holyrood, there is an expectation for parties to collaborate in committee work and parliamentary proceedings to scrutinize and pass legislation. It remains unclear how strictly other parties will adhere to their refusal to work with Reform, particularly since the party will hold an active role in committees and at significant parliamentary events such as First Minister’s Questions.
Meanwhile, former SNP cabinet minister Mairi McAllan—who is a strong candidate for the next deputy first minister role—reiterated that the SNP would not engage with Reform politicians. McAllan accused Reform of fostering “hatred and division” and claimed its rhetoric has endangered ethnic minorities. She also acknowledged that some Reform voters were motivated by “anger and … fear,” promising the SNP will address these concerns directly to alleviate those feelings and work to improve their lives. Additionally, McAllan stressed the importance of the Scottish first minister maintaining international engagement on critical socio-economic matters.
This year’s election saw an unprecedented number of changes at Holyrood, with 64 new MSPs joining the parliament. They commenced orientation on Monday and are scheduled to be formally sworn in on Thursday, ahead of the anticipated selection of a first minister and cabinet in the coming week
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