By JAMES TAPSFIELD, UK POLITICAL EDITOR
Published: | Updated:
Reform is no longer the second-biggest force in the Scottish Parliament after an MSP quit.
The party confirmed that Amanda Bland has resigned the whip and will now sit as an independent.
That means Labour is now the second largest bloc, as both had secured 17 seats at the election in May.
The decision is expected to have ramifications for Reform, including losing the second question to John Swinney at First Minister's Questions every other week.
A spokesman for Reform UK Scotland urged Ms Bland - a regional MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West - to quit Holyrood altogether and let someone else take her place.
Reform confirmed that Amanda Bland (pictured) has resigned the whip and will now sit as an independent MSP
Labour, led by Michael Marra (pictured) is now the second largest at Holyrood, as both had secured 17 seats at the election in May
'We can confirm Amanda Bland has resigned as a Reform UK member of the Scottish Parliament to sit as an independent MSP,' a spokesman for the party said.
'We are proud of a talented and united team of MSPs at Holyrood who have supported each other at every step of the way.
'Amanda Bland should reflect on her reasons for choosing to isolate herself from that team of capable individuals.
'It is incumbent on her to resign as a regional MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West and allow her constituents to be represented by the next Reform candidate on that list.'
Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said: 'No one will be surprised to see chaos at the heart of Reform.
'They have always been a group of chancers, grifters and Tories in disguise.
'Despite all the big talk and promises ahead of the election, Nigel Farage's party has been utterly useless at holding the SNP to account or getting results for the Scottish people, it's been a series of stunts, gimmicks, photo calls and precious little else.
As leader of the joint second-largest party, Reform's Malcolm Offord had been able to ask the second question at FMQs
'Scottish Labour is now the second largest party at Holyrood, and we will work to hold the SNP to account and deliver better outcomes for the people of Scotland.'
A spokesman for the Scottish Parliament said Ms Bland notified presiding officer Kenneth Gibson today.
The parliamentary bureau, the cross party body which decides on Holyrood's business, will be notified of the impact this week.