In a significant political development, Thomas Kerr, the Scottish Conservative group leader on Glasgow City Council, has defected to Reform UK, marking a notable shift in Scottish politics. The move has raised questions about the direction of both the Scottish Conservatives and Reform UK as Kerr becomes the first Reform councillor in Glasgow.
A Disillusioned Former Conservative
Kerr, who was first elected as a 20-year-old in 2017 and became the Tory group leader in 2019, expressed deep dissatisfaction with his former party. He described himself as “annoyed and angry” over the past several months, criticizing the Scottish Conservatives for not prioritizing working-class communities like Shettleston, which he represents. Kerr also accused the party of being too focused on criticizing the SNP, while lacking a “positive vision of centre-right conservatism.”
Leadership Issues
A key point in Kerr’s defection was his belief that the Scottish Conservative Party is “broken” and that its leader, Russell Findlay, is not in control. Kerr claimed that internal forces within the party were preventing Findlay from enacting the changes needed for Scotland’s future. Despite Findlay’s leadership, Kerr suggested that the party was struggling to connect with voters and that its internal dynamics were hindering progress.
Kerr emphasized that his defection to Reform UK was not motivated by personal ambition or the pursuit of a seat in the Scottish Parliament. He refuted speculation that he was attempting to gain a spot at Holyrood, stating that no discussions had taken place with Reform about candidacy. “This is about putting my constituents first,” Kerr explained.
Reform UK’s Growing Influence
Kerr’s defection adds to the momentum Reform UK has been building as it positions itself as a growing force in Scottish politics. The party, led by Nigel Farage, has seen a surge in interest, particularly in light of recent polls that suggest Reform is gaining traction in Scotland. Reform UK has already attracted several former Scottish Conservative councillors, including two in Aberdeenshire and two in North Ayrshire, further expanding its presence.
Farage expressed his satisfaction with Kerr’s defection, calling it a “delight” and reaffirming the party’s ambitions to win seats in the 2026 Holyrood elections. A Survation poll recently suggested that Reform UK could secure up to 15 seats in the Scottish Parliament, placing them in a joint third-place position with the Conservatives. This has fueled speculation that Kerr may have made the move with the hope of securing a seat at Holyrood.
Reactions from Across the Political Spectrum
The defection has been met with mixed reactions from across the political spectrum. Russell Findlay, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, called the defection “very disappointing.” He acknowledged that voters were feeling “disillusioned and disconnected,” but insisted that he was focused on demonstrating that the Scottish Conservatives were still aligned with the needs of the people of Scotland.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have seized on the defection as evidence of the Scottish Conservatives’ internal struggles. Green councillor Anthony Carroll described Kerr’s departure as a “slap in the face” to voters and suggested that Kerr should call for a by-election. Scottish Labour’s deputy leader, Dame Jackie Baillie, commented that Findlay had “lost control” of the party, pointing to the defections as an indication of the Conservatives’ failing leadership.
The Road Ahead for Reform UK
Reform UK is now looking ahead with increasing anticipation to the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections. With Kerr’s defection, the party hopes to build on its growing popularity and secure its first-ever seats in Holyrood. While Kerr insists that his decision was motivated by his commitment to his constituents, it remains to be seen whether more Conservative councillors and MSPs will follow suit.
For now, Kerr’s departure highlights the deepening divisions within the Scottish Conservative Party and the rising influence of Reform UK as it aims to present itself as a viable alternative for right-wing voters in Scotland.
