Michelle Ballantyne, the former leader of Reform UK Scotland, has officially resigned from the party following her suspension over her role as administrator of a Facebook group associated with racist and far-right content. This dramatic turn of events highlights internal conflicts within the party and adds to the controversy surrounding its candidates and officials as it prepares for future elections.
The seeds for Ballantyne's resignation were sown when the Sunday Mail revealed her involvement with the Facebook group, 'Reform UK standing with Scotland', which has been criticized for housing derogatory posts targeting immigrants and notable political figures, including Humza Yousaf and Anas Sarwar. Following the publication, Ballantyne was suspended from her position as the party investigated the claims against her, with party officials labeling the suspension as 'standard practice' for members accused of such behavior.
Speaking to supporters through the Facebook group, Ballantyne denounced the party's actions as part of what she described as a "witch hunt." She expressed grave concerns over how she had been treated during this process, stating, "I no longer recognise the party I helped start in Scotland." Her resignation letter to the party's leadership reflected her frustration, where she called the allegations of disrepute "laughable and insulting." This letter was also shared publicly within the group.
Ballantyne, who previously served as a Scottish Conservative MSP and even attempted to lead the Tories, claimed she had not actively participated in the group for months, asserting, "I have not posted for months or exercised any admin rights." Still, the party's disciplinary action proceeded, culminating in her suspension and pending investigation.
Reform UK has reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards among its members. A spokesperson stated, "Reform UK upholds the highest standards for our members, candidates and elected officials," emphasizing actions taken against those facilitating racist or antisemitic comments. The party previously claimed the controversial group has “nothing to do with the party,” yet the content associated with it has stirred significant backlash.
Ballantyne's critique of the party extended beyond her personal situation. She revealed to her supporters how, months prior, she had allegedly been told by Nigel Farage personally, one of the party's main figures, she was "not welcome" within the organization. Her letter lamented the party's direction, quoting: "You appear to be running an operation to silence anybody who questions anything, seeing them as the enemy and not as the friends of the party." This statement raises questions about the broader climate within Reform UK and its governance.
Her resignation marks yet another chapter for Reform UK, which has faced scrutiny and criticism over its leadership and approach to controversial issues. During the past few months, the party has had several incidents involving its members. For example, just last December, another member had to be dismissed due to troubling affiliations with violent Loyalists and the promotion of incendiary comparisons of the Scottish National Party to Nazis.
Looking to the future, Ballantyne's exit could influence the party's standing as it approaches the next Holyrood election scheduled for 2026. Recent polling presented Reform UK with promising prospects, yet controversies like these could undermine their momentum and public support.
Ballantyne’s motivations for her resignation are evident as she aims to distance herself from what she perceives as mismanagement and dishonesty within the party, saying, "Having kept my council for months... I have cancelled my membership." Her departure from Reform UK seems definitive as she intends to focus on her interests outside the political sphere, particularly her multi-million-pound house restoration project she initiated after stepping down as Scotland's leader.
This situation serves as both a reflective moment for Reform UK and a cautionary tale of the challenges the party faces as it seeks to carve out its identity amid the shifting political landscapes of Scotland.