Nigel Farage has appointed Malcolm Offord as Reform UK's leader in Scotland, but the multi-millionaire former Tory minister refuses to release his tax returns or disclose his net worth. At a press conference in Kirkcaldy on Thursday, Offord insisted he has paid all required tax but views his financial details as a private matter.
The announcement came amid tight security and dramatic circumstances. Offord, who defected to Reform last month, signed a letter retiring from the House of Lords at the event. The press conference featured airport-style metal detectors and bag searches.
Offord defends privacy stance
When pressed on releasing his tax returns, Offord declined to commit. «No, I want to think about that,» he said. «Because it's a private matter, it shouldn't necessarily be put out in the public domain – certain things are private.»
He emphasized his tax compliance. «What I can tell you, is that over all the years, from the very first job I had at Aulds bakers in Greenock, I have paid every penny of tax,» Offord stated. «I've got nothing to hide, but the question is, do I want to put it out there? I don't know.»
Farage supported Offord's position. When told other Scottish politicians have released their tax affairs, the Reform leader dismissed the comparison as «doesn't make it right». «I'm not publishing mine, or my inside leg or many other private things,» Farage added.
Criticism over wealth and transparency
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Jamie Greene sharply criticized Offord's stance. «At the end of the day, this is all about trust. Lord Offord has put himself under the spotlight, but he can't stand the heat of scrutiny,» Greene said.
He questioned Offord's relatability to ordinary voters. «Let's face it: Malcolm Offord is about as down to earth as a hot air balloon,» Greene stated. «If he has glorious political ambitions, he needs to start being gloriously truthful with the public.»
Reports indicate Offord owns a £1.6 million mansion with a private jetty near Loch Lomond, purchased without a mortgage in 2024.
Offord rejects 'patronising' questions
Offord dismissed suggestions that his wealth prevents him from understanding ordinary people's struggles. «That's really patronising isn't it?» he responded when asked about relating to cost-of-living concerns.
«I come from a completely normal background, I go to work everyday with completely normal people, I go camping with normal people, my family still live in Greenock – I live a normal life,» Offord said. «It's very patronising to say I don't know about the cost-of-living crisis when I talk to people who are suffering with it every day.»
When questioned about his net worth, Offord cited practical difficulties. «For a start, it's not something you just pluck out of thin air, because assets are not necessarily easily valued,» he explained.
Jenrick drama overshadows announcement
The press conference was interrupted by breaking news that Robert Jenrick had been sacked as shadow justice secretary for allegedly plotting to defect to Reform. Farage confirmed prior talks with Jenrick but denied any deal. «I'm very surprised that this news has broken,» Farage said. «I'm going to give him a ring this afternoon.»
Offord previously served as a Scotland Office minister and business minister in the former Tory government at Westminster. He was made a life peer in 2021.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
