Graham Simpson has become the first Tory MSP to defect to Reform UK, delivering a significant blow to the party ahead of next year's Holyrood election.
The former frontbencher announced his decision at a press conference in Scotland alongside Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, describing his departure from the Conservatives as "an enormous wrench" but one he believed many would have anticipated.
His defection makes him Reform's only MSP at Holyrood.
Simpson is the third MSP to quit Russell Findlay’s party in recent months, following the departure of Jamie Greene, who is now a Liberal Democrat, and Jeremy Balfour, who sits as an independent after leaving the party last Friday.
Welcoming Mr Simpson yesterday, Nigel Farge predicted the Scottish Conservatives will “cease to be a political force” after the next Holyrood elections, warning the Tories face a "wipeout" on May 7.
“I think that next May the Scottish Conservatives will do so badly in those Scottish elections that they will cease to be a political force in Scotland,” he said. “And I think we may see the same result happening in Wales, parts of northern England and elsewhere.
“I genuinely believe that what will happen here next May for the Conservatives is pretty much a wipeout.”