STORY
Amanda Bland has resigned from Reform UK to sit as an independent MSP, leaving Scottish Labour as the second largest party in the Scottish Parliament. Her departure on Monday reduces Reform’s representation to 16 MSPs, behind Labour’s 17. The parties had been tied following May’s election.
Bland, who represents Central Scotland and Lothians West, had served as Reform Scotland’s justice spokeswoman. She had not publicly explained her reasons for leaving at the time of reporting. Reform urged her to resign her parliamentary seat so that the next candidate on its regional list could replace her.
The Scottish Parliament confirmed that Bland had written to the Presiding Officer to advise that she would serve as an independent with immediate effect. A spokesperson said the Presiding Officer would notify the Parliamentary Bureau of associated changes to business before Parliament resumes next week. The change is expected to end the arrangement under which Labour and Reform alternated the opening opposition questions at First Minister’s Questions.