Another Aberdeenshire councillor defects to Reform

The Tories have lost another councillor in Aberdeenshire to Reform UK.

Lauren Knight, who represents the Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford ward on the local authority, announced the move on Thursday, joining Dominic Lonchay, who made the switch last month after being rejected as a candidate for Holyrood.

Former Tory Mark Findlater, who had left the party at the time of his defection, also joined Reform last year.

Ms Knight said the party had “left her”, adding: “I am committed to being a strong voice for those who are too often unheard and to working tirelessly to ensure that every child, regardless of their needs, is given the opportunity to thrive.

“This is not just a political responsibility — it is a personal mission.”

The councillor said she wanted to push for “meaningful, lasting change” and the Nigel Farage-led party was offering that.

“Scotland has been abandoned by the two-party establishment, which continues to prioritise self-interests and party politics over genuine change,” she said.

The party appears confident the trend of defections will continue following its third-placed finish in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election last week.

Thomas Kerr, a Glasgow councillor who also defected from the Tories and is seen as the party’s most senior figure in Scotland, said: “Lauren Knight brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to Reform UK, and I’m delighted to welcome her onto our team.

“We’re now Scotland’s fastest-growing political movement and it’s clear why – the SNP, Labour and Tories have broken Scotland. Reform is on a mission to fix it.”

A Scottish Tory spokesman said: “Under Russell Findlay, we’re reconnecting with common sense conservative values of enterprise, self-reliance, fiscal responsibility and the rule of law.

“Every poll shows that Reform will only help the SNP. As we saw in last year’s general election, they handed several seats to the SNP which would have otherwise gone to a pro-UK party.

“Reform are likely to stand pro-independence candidates in the 2026 election and Nigel Farage has even said he’s not worried about the SNP getting another five years in power.

“The Scottish Conservatives will continue to work hard to rebuild trust with disillusioned voters by holding the failing SNP Government to account and promoting common sense conservative values.”