Malcolm Offord, the newly appointed Reform UK leader in Scotland, has declined to publish his net worth or tax returns ahead of the May Holyrood election, saying such disclosures are “not relevant” to voters.
Offord, a multimillionaire businessman and former Conservative life peer, was unveiled in the role on Thursday as Reform intensifies its campaign in Scotland for the 7 May vote. The decision not to disclose personal finances has prompted criticism from political opponents and renewed scrutiny of Reform’s claims to represent “ordinary people”, as the party seeks a breakthrough under Scotland’s proportional electoral system.
Speaking after his appointment, Offord argued that details of his wealth were a private matter and did not bear on his ability to lead the party’s campaign. The Guardian first reported his refusal to set out his personal fortune or make public tax information.
The row has emerged at a moment of growing attention on Reform’s prospects north of the border. Recent polling has suggested the party could perform strongly on the regional list vote, where seats are allocated proportionally, potentially putting it in contention with Scottish Labour in some areas. The Times has reported projections that Reform and Labour could be close on list support, behind the SNP, which would represent an unprecedented advance for Reform in devolved Scottish politics.
Nigel Farage, the UK leader of Reform, defended Offord’s position, portraying demands for financial transparency as intrusive. The Evening Standard reported Farage had dismissed the idea that politicians should have to publish tax returns simply because some others choose to do so.
Offord’s personal wealth has also attracted attention because of his lifestyle and property interests. The Guardian described him as the owner of a £1.6m mansion near Loch Lomond, a detail opponents have used to question whether he can credibly speak to voters facing cost-of-living pressures.
Reform UK has sought to capitalise on dissatisfaction with mainstream parties in Scotland, positioning itself as a challenger not only to the SNP government but also to Labour and the Conservatives. The party has said it intends to field around 100 candidates across Scotland’s 129 constituencies and regional list slots, aiming to convert list support into seats.
The dispute over Offord’s personal finances is political rather than regulatory. Holyrood’s rules require MSPs to register relevant financial interests after election, but there is no legal requirement for candidates to publish tax returns or a statement of wealth during the campaign. However, the question of whether leading politicians should volunteer such information has become a recurring test of transparency, particularly when candidates are seeking to frame themselves as outsiders challenging established politics.
Opposition parties criticised Offord’s refusal, arguing that voters are entitled to understand the financial interests of those asking for their support, especially when the individual is likely to play a prominent role in Scottish public life if Reform wins seats. Critics have also questioned how a party that campaigns on accountability and opposition to political privilege can justify withholding information about the personal wealth of its most senior Scottish figure.
Offord’s appointment marks a significant moment for Reform in Scotland, where the party has historically struggled to convert UK-wide publicity into electoral representation. Under Holyrood’s system, strong list performance can translate into a sizeable bloc of MSPs even without winning constituencies, making campaign momentum and leadership scrutiny potentially more consequential than at Westminster elections.
Offord’s route to the role has also drawn attention. According to reports cited by the Guardian and other outlets, he defected from the Conservatives to Reform in December 2025 and announced plans to leave the House of Lords. Holyrood magazine reported his resignation from the Lords is due to take effect on 30 January.
With campaigning expected to intensify over the coming weeks, Reform’s opponents are likely to keep focusing on questions of credibility and transparency around Offord, while the party attempts to shift attention to its core messages on the economy, migration and opposition to what it characterises as a failing political establishment.
The Holyrood election takes place on 7 May, with the SNP defending its position as Scotland’s dominant party amid a highly contested race for second place and influence over the next parliament.