US EditionConservative MSP Graham Simpson defects to Reform
Graham Simpson is the third Conservative MSP to defect to Reform UK since April, reflecting growing support for the party in Scotland ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election.
- Graham Simpson, an MSP for Central Scotland since 2016, left the Scottish Conservatives to join Reform UK, announcing his decision alongside party leader Nigel Farage during a media event on August 27, 2025.
- Simpson revealed that several months ago he chose not to seek re-election as a candidate for the Scottish Tories, and only recently finalized his decision to join Reform UK after considerable reflection.
- Simpson stated he did not join Reform to become its Scottish leader but invited former colleagues with “great ideas for Scotland” while anticipating anger and disappointment.
- Reform UK has announced a proposal to remove as many as 600,000 individuals seeking asylum during its initial year in office if it wins the next general election, promising to expand detention facilities to accommodate 24,000 people and establish agreements for returns with nations such as Iran and Afghanistan.
- Simpson's defection marks the third Conservative MSP loss since April and indicates growing challenges for the Scottish Tories as Reform UK positions itself as a fresh alternative.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources19
Leaning Left7Leaning Right4Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Left
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left
47% Left
L 47%
C 27%
R 27%
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