Reform Scotland’s Amanda Bland quits the party and sits as an independent MSP at Holyrood. Multiple outlets report that Bland has resigned the party whip, reducing Reform’s representation in the Scottish Parliament. She previously represented the Central Scotland and Lothians West list region.
The change alters Holyrood’s party standings. With Bland now listed as independent, Reform falls behind Labour and becomes the third-largest parliamentary group, leaving Labour as Holyrood’s second-biggest party. One report notes Reform is left one member fewer than Labour, while another says Reform drops out of a joint second-place position.
Outlet accounts also differ slightly in emphasis but agree on the core event: Bland’s departure and its immediate impact on parliamentary numbers. Some coverage includes calls directed at Bland to leave Holyrood entirely, while other reports focus on the party’s reaction and the fact that Bland has not provided a public explanation. Reform has been described as losing its first MSP at Holyrood since its breakthrough.
