'Disappointing' blow for Scottish Tories as another councillor defects to Reform

Renfrewshire councillor Alec Leishman will become the party’s sixth councillor north of the Border. It follows the high-profile defection of Thomas Kerr, a former Tory group leader on Glasgow City Council, last month.

Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay, who represents the West Scotland region, including Renfrewshire, said the latest announcement was “disappointing”.

He added: “What has been shown in recent by-elections and indeed in the previous general election, is any vote in Scotland for Reform is only going to benefit the SNP.”

Cllr Leishman was elected to Renfrewshire Council in 2022, and represents the Erskine and Inchinnan ward. He has sat on both the education and housing committees on the council.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining Scotland’s fastest growing political movement, Reform UK, as its newest councillor representing Erskine and Inchinnan ward on Renfrewshire Council.

“Scotland badly needs change. The SNP have failed our country with their narrow-minded obsession with independence. But both Labour and the Conservatives have enabled them in their policy support in Holyrood.

“From net zero madness to woke gender ideology and policing free speech, the Holyrood bubble is proving how completely detached it is from Scotland’s communities.

“Reform UK are the new kids on the block, but have an energised membership with real vision and leadership needed to break the endless cycle of decline that our country faces.

“I look forward to playing my role in creating a better Scotland were hard work pays, taxes are lower, schools are thriving, and local councils are once again at the heart of our community. Scotland is broken. Scotland needs Reform.”

A Reform UK spokesman said: “We are delighted to welcome Cllr Leishman to the party and to our team of hard-working councillors across Scotland. His hard work and commitment to his local community are well known and we are excited to have his energy and enthusiasm within Reform.”

Cllr Kerr said: “Across Scotland, the public are scunnered and fed up with the mainstream parties. Alec is our newest elected politician, but I am confident he won’t be the last as Reform UK gears up for what will be a critical Holyrood campaign.”