Labour move to second largest party in Scotland after Reform Scotland MSP quits

MSP Amanda Bland has quit Reform Scotland, meaning Scottish Labour is now the second biggest party in Holyrood.

Bland, who was Reform’s justice spokeswoman at Holyrood, was elected from the regional list in May.

She has yet to comment publicly on the resignation and is now listed on the Scottish Parliament website as an independent.

With Reform Scotland now down to 16 MSPs, the resignation of the Central Scot and Lothians West MSP means that Scottish Labour are now the second-largest party in the Parliament.

Reform has now called on Bland to quit Holyrood so that she can be replaced by the next candidate on the list.

A spokesperson for the party said: “We can confirm Amanda Bland has resigned as a Reform UK member of the Scottish Parliament to sit as an independent MSP.

“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.”

A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Amanda Bland wrote to the Presiding Officer today to advise him that she would be serving as an independent Member with immediate effect. The Parliament website has been updated accordingly.

“The Presiding Officer will notify the Bureau of associated changes to business prior to Parliament resuming next week.”

Ms Bland has been contacted for comment.