Reform's Offord backed by MSP as FM John Swinney condemns crude joke

Reform UK’s only Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) has publicly backed Malcolm Offord’s capacity to lead the party, despite Offord facing criticism over a homophobic joke he made several years ago. The controversial comment, which Offord has admitted was a “crude” joke, was made during a Burns Night dinner hosted by a rugby club in 2018. Following its recent resurfacing by the Daily Record, Offord has denied being homophobic and expressed regret for the incident.

The First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, has taken a strong stance against Offord, declaring him “unfit” to participate in Scottish politics. Swinney condemned Offord’s attitude and comments during a media briefing, asserting that such views have no place within political leadership or membership in the Scottish Parliament. He further suggested that such remarks might have been welcomed within certain Reform UK circles based on his observations from the party’s recent launch event.

In a statement posted on social media, Offord explained that the joke was made after consuming alcohol at the London Scottish rugby club, where he served as chairman at the time. He clarified that the joke involved a reference to the late singer George Michael, linking his music to the works of Robert Burns. However, the joke’s content, which mentioned placing the late singer’s cremated ashes into a curry and included crude sexual innuendo, caused discomfort among those present. Offord said he immediately regretted making the joke, apologized on the spot, and later made a donation to an LGBT rugby club as a gesture of remorse.

Individuals who witnessed the incident have described the joke as offensive and shocking. Ian Lewer, who attended the 2018 dinner with his wife, called the remark “crude, bad taste and insulting,” adding that the memory of it “was so shocking I’ve not forgotten it.” Offord’s connections with the London Scottish rugby club were highlighted when he was inducted into their hall of fame in May 2023. Meanwhile, political figures such as Scotland’s Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson have accused Offord of homophobia, calling him unsuitable for public office. Other politicians, including Labour’s Paul O’Kane and Liberal Democrat MSP Jamie Greene, criticized Reform UK, labeling the party as fostering intolerance and spreading “bile.” Offord’s defense of other controversial remarks made by party candidates has also kept the spotlight on Reform UK’s contentious standing in Scottish politics

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