Exclusive:Former Tory MSP working for Reform quitter Amanda Bland
Ex-Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Roz McCall joined Ms Bland’s staff after she recently resigned from Nigel Farage’s party.
A former Conservative MSP is working for Reform UK quitter Amanda Bland, The Scotsman can reveal.
Ex-Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Roz McCall joined Ms Bland’s staff after she recently resigned from Nigel Farage’s party.
Ms Bland’s office confirmed that Mrs McCall is working for her, saying the pair “share personal interests and values such as child protection and support for women and girls.”
Mrs McCall was a Tory MSP on the Mid Scotland and Fife list from 2022 until 2026.
She stood for the Conservatives in Perthshire South and Kinross-shire in May, but was beaten by the SNP.
She was not re-elected on the list as the Conservatives took only two seats, compared to four in 2021.
Ms Bland’s office said: “On behalf of Amanda Bland’s office, we can confirm that Roz McCall is currently part of Amanda’s team, they share personal interests and values such as child protection and support for women and girls.”
Mrs McCall became an MSP in 2022 when list MSP Dean Lockhart resigned. She had been the next candidate - in fifth place - on the Tory list for Mid Scotland and Fife.
She was made a junior shadow minister when Russell Findlay became Scottish Tory leader in 2024, serving as the party’s spokesperson for children and young people.
SNP MSP Alex Kerr said: “With all the comings and goings in the Tories, Reform and Lib Dem merry-go-round it is becoming hard to remember who works for each party.
“While the Westminster parties are all happy to intermingle, voters know it is the only the SNP that will put Scotland first at every turn and offer our people a democratic choice over their own future.”
Ms Bland, a Central Scotland and Lothians West list MSP, quit Reform UK last month.
The former primary school teacher and police officer’s resignation meant that Reform dropped from joint second to third at Holyrood.
She said at the time: “ I have formally resigned from Reform UK Scotland. This is my decision, made after careful deliberation.
“My priorities and principles remain unchanged. I entered politics to champion fairness and common sense, protect women and children, improve public services, support businesses to thrive, and work towards a fairer and more effective criminal justice system.
“As a member of the Criminal Justice Committee, I remain committed to scrutinising legislation, holding the justice system to account and supporting practical measures that improve public safety, protect victims and ensure justice is served.
“Holding the Scottish Government to account remains a key priority, and I believe I can best pursue these goals as an Independent MSP.
“My responsibility to the people and communities I represent across Central Scotland and Lothians West remains unchanged. I will continue to work hard on their behalf, focusing on the issues that matter to them.
“My focus remains firmly on representing the people of Central Scotland and Lothians West and holding the Scottish Government to account in the public interest.”
Reform UK alleged that Ms Bland had quit ahead of a meeting with business manager Max Bannerman about two members of staff who had recently left her employment.
The party urged her to stand down as an MSP to allow another Reform candidate to take her place.
Her departure meant that Labour is the single second largest party in Holyrood for the first time in a decade. It is now on 17, with Reform on 16. The Greens are one behind on 15. MSPs
Mrs McCall was approached for comment.
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