Reform's Scottish leader defends Labour deal claim

The controversy centers on Offord's assertion that Sarwar approached him at a previous event, suggesting collaboration between Reform and Labour to remove the SNP from power. Sarwar has unequivocally stated there have been "no stitch-ups, no deals, no backroom chats, no back-channel contact with Reform." The SNP has suggested the alleged deal exposes a "grubby deal" and that Sarwar would work with Reform for power.

During the debate, Offord also defended his party's billboard adverts depicting asylum seekers under the slogan "Scotland is at breaking point," which critics, including SNP leader John Swinney, said incited tension. Offord maintained the posters honestly reflect the views of local Scottish people. The debate also touched on energy policy, with Offord siding with former US President Donald Trump's call to "drill, baby, drill" for more oil and gas, a stance supported by Scottish Conservatives and Labour's Sarwar, but opposed by the SNP.