Conservative MSP Graham Simpson defects to Reform
Conservative MSP Graham Simpson has resigned from the Scottish Conservatives to join Reform UK, announcing his defection alongside party figurehead Nigel Farage at a press conference in West Lothian.
Simpson, who has represented Central Scotland since 2016, becomes Reform’s only sitting MSP and the second Conservative to leave the Holyrood group this week. He described leaving the party he joined at 15 as “a huge wrench,” but said he wanted to help build “something new, exciting, and long-lived” in UK politics.
“I’ve joined Reform because we have the opportunity to create something that puts people’s needs over the system,” Simpson said.
Farage, on a tour of Scotland, hailed the move as part of a push to challenge the SNP’s dominance after 19 years in power. He also confirmed that Reform UK would appoint a Scottish leader before next year’s Holyrood election — contradicting earlier claims by party chairman Richard Tice that leadership would be decided afterwards to avoid internal splits.
Immigration at the Forefront
Simpson’s defection coincides with the launch of Reform’s “Operation Restoring Justice”, pledging to deport 600,000 migrants over five years, ban asylum claims from people arriving on small boats, and impose penalties on countries that refuse to take back nationals.
A new poll by the David Hume Institute and Diffley Partnership shows immigration rising sharply as a political priority in Scotland — now named a top-three issue by 21% of voters, compared to just 4% in May 2023.
Political Reactions
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Scottish Conservatives said they remained focused on “holding the SNP and Labour to account” and delivering “common-sense solutions.”
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Scottish Labour’s Jackie Baillie dismissed Reform as “Tories by another name,” accusing Simpson of careerism and warning voters not to forget “the damage Tories like Graham Simpson have wreaked.”
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SNP’s Stephen Gethins condemned Reform’s immigration policies as “extraordinarily damaging,” accusing Farage and Boris Johnson of engineering the small boats crisis through Brexit.
What Next for Holyrood?
Simpson confirmed he will not resign his Central Scotland seat — gained via the Conservatives’ regional list — arguing it is right he remains in parliament despite changing party allegiance.
However, critics noted the irony given his past support for recall powers that would allow constituents to sack MSPs under certain conditions.
With the Scottish Parliament election looming in 2026, Simpson’s move raises questions about further Tory defections and whether Reform UK can translate rising visibility into seats.
