Labour panic as huge defection to Reform announced in boost to Nigel Farage

A councillor has defected to Reform UK after having served under Scottish Labour in a boost to Nigel Farage. Julie MacDougall joined the right-wing outfit to become Reform UK's sixteenth defection north of the border.

Ms MacDougall left Scottish Labour last year after she was told she couldn't stand for the party in the general election. Instead, Melanie Ward, who is based in London, was parachuted into the Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy seat. She won, defeating both the SNP and Alba's Neale Hanvey.

Ms MacDougall represents Burntisland, Kinghorn and Western Kirkcaldy. She is the daughter of the former Labour MP, John MacDougall, who held the seat of Glenrothes from 2001 until 2008.

Her defection comes after Renfrewshire's Jamie McGuire joined Reform ahead of the Scottish parliamentary elections on May 7 next year, according to the Scottish Daily Express.

Ms MacDougall said: "After thoughtful consultation I am delighted to join Reform UK to become part of a team who want to deliver real change for our communities.

"I want more grown up, authentic politics and an opportunity to work together to offer better.

"I look forward to this exciting new chapter and I remain fully committed to serving the people of Fife as always with my full commitment, honesty and integrity. Scotland is broken. Scotland needs Reform."

Thomas Kerr, a Reform councillor in Glasgow, welcomed her into Reform, saying: "I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome Councillor Julie MacDougall to Reform UK.

"I’ve known about Julie’s work for a number of years, her reputation for being a dedicated and passionate champion for the people of Fife is second to none and she’ll be a great addition to Reform UK in Scotland as we prepare for the most important Scottish parliamentary elections in the devolution era.

"Scotland is crying out for change – only Reform UK is offering it."

Mr Farage's outfit is tipped to win at least a dozen MSPs at the election next year.