Brief
Labour becomes Scotland’s second‑largest party after Reform MSP quits
Reform UK’s Amanda Bland left the party, dropping Reform to 16 seats and elevating Labour to the second‑largest bloc in the Scottish Parliament.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Labour have become Scotland’s second‑largest party in the Scottish Parliament after Reform UK MSP Amanda Bland resigned the party whip and will sit as an independent, Standard reported on 19 October 2026.
What happened
Reform UK Scotland confirmed that Bland, a regional MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West, had given up the Reform whip. The party urged her to resign the seat so the next Reform candidate on the regional list could replace her. Bland’s office was contacted for comment but did not respond.
What the reports add
The statement from Reform UK said Bland’s departure reduces the party’s seat count from 17 to 16, moving it into third place behind Labour. The party’s spokesperson said Bland should “reflect on her reasons for choosing to isolate herself” and that she is “incumbent on her to resign as a regional MSP”.
What was said
Reform UK’s spokesperson said, “We can confirm Amanda Bland has resigned as a Reform UK member of the Scottish Parliament to sit as an independent MSP.” Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said, “No one will be surprised to see chaos at the heart of Reform… Scottish Labour is now the second largest party at Holyrood, and we will work to hold the SNP to account.” Scottish Lib Dem MSP David Green added, “After a chaotic campaign in the spring, the party has been hit by scandal after scandal.”
How it came about
Both Reform and Labour held 17 seats after the May 2026 election. Bland’s resignation, reported to presiding officer Kenneth Gibson on Monday, triggers a review by the parliamentary bureau that sets Holyrood’s business. The shift follows a period of internal turmoil for Reform UK, highlighted in recent Felo coverage of the party’s strained relations with the Conservatives.
Key facts
- Amanda Bland resigned the Reform UK whip and will sit as an independent MSP. (standard.co.uk)
- Reform UK’s seat count fell from 17 to 16, moving it to third place in Holyrood. (standard.co.uk)
- Labour now holds 17 seats, becoming the second‑largest party in the Scottish Parliament. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Labour becomes Holyrood’s second biggest party after Reform MSP resigns whip”
