Offord relinquishes economy brief in reshuffle – Daily Business

Reform UK leader Malcolm Offord has handed his brief on the economy to Angela Ross in a reshuffle of his front bench team.

A party spokesman said Mr Offord would follow other party leaders by focusing purely on the leadership.

He said: “When the original roles were set, Malcolm wanted to help shoulder the load by splitting a particularly large brief into finance and economy, made easier by his knowledge and background.

“But six months on he recognises other leaders don’t take on a separate brief on top of leadership duties.

“As it was necessary to shuffle key roles, he saw the opportunity to put his full confidence in Angela Ross doing a great job as a spokesperson for both, but he will continue to lend his expertise when asked.

“He is now focussed on being the Parliamentary Group leader and spending more time with constituents in the West of Scotland.”

The reshuffle follows the resignation this month of Amanda Bland who now sits as an independent. It meant Reform slipped to third largest party, one seat behind Labour with 17.

In the reshuffle Amanda Lindsay takes over as the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Women and Girls, Kim Schmulian assumes the role of Shadow Lord Advocate (Criminal Justice and Victims), with Senga Beresford is now Shadow Minister for Education.

Mr Offord said the changes reflected Reform “returning from recess with renewed vigour. We have shuffled our talented team to benefit from our great mix of experience, skill and determination.

“Over the first six months of this parliament, we’ve seen the impact their contributions have had in bringing fresh perspective to a tired Holyrood

“Our objective for this 7th Holyrood Parliament is simple – to prioritise an alternative vision for a prosperous Scotland – this is the only way to re-engage with the two million Scots who did not vote in May. This Reform Shadow Cabinet will drive that ambition forward.”

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