Once a Conservative who acknowledged the benefits of immigration, Malcolm Offord has U-turned to echo Nigel Farage’s hardline stance after defecting to Reform UK.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (right) at the MacDonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa in Falkirk, with Lord Malcolm Offord who was announced by Nigel Farage as the latest defector to join the party during the rally in Falkirk.
Malcolm Offord occasionally displayed glimpses of common sense when he was a Conservative. In 2021, he addressed the problem of a lack of growth in the Scottish economy and cited immigration as one of the solutions.
He said immigration should be “promoted” and called for more people to come from abroad to boost the tax base. Offord was correct in his analysis as controlled immigration has been a positive benefit to society.
But Offord 2.0 is a less savoury version of his previous self. He defected to Reform UK last month and has his eyes on becoming the right wing party’s first Scottish leader.
As if by magic, he has modified his views on immigration and is echoing the hard line of Reform leader Nigel Farage. Offord, who allies describe as a liberal conservative, has sold out his principles for naked political ambition.
He wants to become an MSP, as well as a party leader, and has no qualms about signing up to a party he would have rubbished years ago.
His miraculous immigration rethink has revealed him to be an opportunist, not a serious political player. The wider point is Reform has become a boat for disaffected Tories wishing to leave their own sinking ship.
They pretend to be new and in touch with working class people, but in reality they are Conservatives in all but name. Scots should reject the advances of Offord and spurn Reform at the ballot box.
Answers needed
Venezuela’s leader Nicolas Maduro is a despot who should not command the support of any right-thinking person.
His so-called election wins were dubious and, according to Amnesty International, his regime is marked by repression and human rights abuses.
But the capture of this authoritarian leader by the US raises some serious questions. All countries must act within international law and the intervention in Venezuela is a cause for alarm.
This image posted on Donald Trump’s Truth Social account which the US President says is Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro(Image: Via AFP)
It could easily embolden the expansionist ambitions of Putin or encourage China to invade Taiwan. Trusting President Trump is also difficult, given what a liability he has proven himself to be.
The US needs to provide answers on this action and demonstrate it will not destabilise South America.
Nobody should cry if Maduro ends up in jail, but international partners need to make sure this country does not slide into greater turmoil.