Former Aberdeen South MP Ross Thomson says he has quit Reform UK amid disagreements over support for the oil and gas sector, after the party said he did not pass its vetting process for candidacy.
A letter seen by The Press and Journal said Reform officials decided not to select Mr Thomson as a Holyrood candidate last year, citing concerns about “behaviour and conduct”. The letter, reportedly sent by Reform UK general secretary Tom Waterhouse, said selecting him could pose a “reputational risk” to both the party and Mr Thomson personally.
Mr Thomson disputed the claims, saying: “I don’t know if this is genuine, or made up. I’m unaware of the letter, I’ve not seen the letter.”
He also rejected suggestions he had failed vetting for a local by-election candidacy, saying: “I am disappointed, but not surprised, that Reform UK Scotland has chosen to brief the media with outright lies.”
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