Reform MSP Amanda Bland quits to sit as independent
Amanda Bland, the MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West, has quit Reform UK Scotland to sit as an independent.
Reform UK Scotland confirmed her resignation, the BBC reported. The Scottish Parliament's official profile now lists Ms Bland as an Independent MSP for Central Scot and Lothians West.
Ms Bland was one of 17 Reform candidates returned to the Scottish Parliament — Holyrood — in May. She served as Reform Scotland's justice spokeswoman before leaving the party, according to the Herald. She is a former primary school teacher and police officer.
Reform finished joint second with Labour in that election, behind the SNP on 58 seats. Ms Bland's departure leaves Reform as the third-largest group at Holyrood, with one member fewer than Labour.
Scottish Labour is now the second biggest party at Holyrood, STV reported. Reform holds 16 seats in third place.
Parliamentary records listed Ms Bland as a Reform MSP in August and September. A motion lodged on 21 August named her for Reform UK, and the Official Report identified her as Reform at meetings on 1 September and 29 September.
A Reform UK Scotland spokesperson called on Ms Bland to resign as regional MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West to allow the next Reform candidate on the list to represent constituents. Under Holyrood rules, a list MSP who stands down from parliament is replaced by their party's next candidate from the last election. Ms Bland has left the party but remains in parliament as an independent.
