Reform UK Scotland leader Malcolm Offord brands John Swinney 'arrogant and petty' over refusal to hold talks

The leader of Reform UK in Scotland has criticised John Swinney for a “disgraceful attempt” to silence thousands of people who voted for the party in the Scottish Parliament election.

Malcolm Offord was responding to comments made by the First Minister earlier on Saturday, when he said he would hold talks with all opposition leaders except Reform.

The party won 17 seats in Thursday’s election to make its first electoral breakthrough at Holyrood.

Offord said: “The First Minister talks endlessly about democracy and inclusion, yet the moment voters support a party that challenges the failing political consensus at Holyrood, he wants to pretend they don’t exist.

“It is arrogant, petty and deeply undemocratic. What’s more exactly the kind of out-of-touch establishment politics people are sick of.

“The SNP can lock the doors of St Andrew’s House if they like but they cannot shut down the growing demand for real change in Scotland.

“Reform UK will continue fighting for ordinary people who feel abandoned by the political class.”

The SNP was easily returned as the largest party, but crucially fell short of securing the overall majority he craved in his bid to force a second referendum on Scottish independence.

When all the results were declared – after more than 16 hours of counting – the SNP had 58 MSPs – seven short of a majority and down from the 64 the party won in 2021.

Earlier on Saturday, Swinney said he would invite all Scottish party leaders to engage in discussions, expect Offord.

“I’m not going to do that,” he told journalists.

“I am not obliged to invite Reform into St Andrew’s House next week to have discussions with me about how we co-operate together.”