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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Lucy Jackson

Reform UK hiring staff in England to write Holyrood manifesto

REFORM UK are hiring staff in England to write their Holyrood manifesto.

The party is hiring more staff in Westminster to look at Scotland-specific policy ahead of next year's election.

Reform UK are expected to pick up a number of seats in May, with some polls suggesting the party could even come in second place.

Reform UK leader Nigel FarageReform UK leader Nigel Farage As reported by the Daily Record, one of the job listings advertised by the party in London is a "Scotland policy adviser".

The blurb for the role reads: "Play your part in shaping Scotland's future. Join Britain's fastest-growing political movement.

“Reform UK is seeking a proactive, passionate, and detail-oriented Policy Advisor to lead on policy development for Scotland.

"You’ll help shape bold, evidence-led proposals that will form the backbone of our manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, and support our wider policy direction across the UK.

"This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a dynamic political movement committed to common-sense reform, national pride, and real change.”

According to the job advert, the post will be based in "Westminster, England".

There is a second advert for a policy adviser role which involves coming up with policy proposals for the "devolved manifestos", which is also based in "Westminster, England".

A press officer job is based in Glasgow which the listing states involves championing the party’s “common-sense policies” on immigration and law and order.

Political parties in Scotland have said the listings come as "no surprise", with the SNP arguing that Reform UK know "nothing about what's good for Scotland".

SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson said: "Decisions for Scotland are best made in Scotland – with the SNP, that's guaranteed.

Nigel Farage knows nothing about what's good for Scotland. His politics couldn’t be more out of touch with the people of Scotland’s priorities and values.

“By thinking that policy for Scotland can be dictated from hundreds of miles away in London, Farage is making all the same mistakes that all the other Westminster-based parties have made for decades."

Gibson added: “It is only with the full powers of independence that Scotland can finally be free from being told what to do by politicians in London with little understanding of Scotland’s needs, values and priorities.”

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: "The last thing Scotland needs is more London-based policy makers who think they know better than everyone who actually lives here. Farage doesn’t want to create jobs here in Scotland; instead, he wants to throw our country under the bus to benefit his wealthy friends.

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick HarvieScottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie “This comes as no surprise, given the disastrous impact his climate denialism would have on the Scottish economy.

“The Scottish Greens are building a strong future for Scotland, with secure jobs based in Scottish communities, and a vision for that that could not be more different from the racist and hateful agenda of Reform.”

And Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: ""It is no great surprise that a party that does not care about Scotland will be dictating their Holyrood manifesto from London.

"Despite pretending to be a man of the people, Nigel Farage took a private jet when he visited here ahead of the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, which his party went on to lose.

"Farage is nothing more than a chancer who thinks he can take the Scottish public for mugs.”

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