Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Reform UK backs Anas Sarwar for first minister

Party's deputy leader suggested Reform could become "kingmakers" in the next Scottish government.

Reform UK backs Anas Sarwar for first minister

REFORM UK has signalled it might support Scottish Labour's Anas Sarwar as first minister following the 2026 Holyrood elections.

Richard Tice, the party's deputy leader, boldly declared at their Scottish conference that the Scottish National Party (SNP) had exhausted its governmental opportunities, the Times reported.


"Anything is preferable to the SNP," Tice said, suggesting Reform could become "kingmakers" in the next Scottish government.

“We see it being quite possible that we end up being the kingmakers in the next Holyrood government. And from a standing start, give or take, at the beginning of this year in Scottish terms, that is a pretty significant and quite achievable observation. It’s quite possible that we will be the third largest party in terms of the number of votes and seats," he was quoted as saying.

Political analysts are taking the party's claims seriously. Mark Diffley, a leading pollster, predicted Reform could secure between 10 to 15 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), potentially establishing themselves as the fourth-largest party and surpassing Tories.

“That would give them significant influence at Holyrood, particularly in an election that, as looks likely, produces a messy outcome in which no single party is anywhere close to a majority and where detailed negotiation will be required for a government to be formed.”

The SNP said that Reform’s anti-immigration sentiment “does not align with Scotland’s values," Diffley was quoted as saying.

The potential alliance has created tension within Scottish political circles. Scottish Labour's deputy leader, Dame Jackie Baillie, cautiously responded that the election represents a chance to "turn the page on 17 years of SNP incompetence" while dismissing Reform as offering "nothing except division".

A Sunday Times poll this month revealed that Scottish Labour's support has fallen so significantly that it would be nearly impossible for Sarwar to secure a majority and form a government if similar results occur in 2026.

Reform's Scottish campaign director, Martyn Greene, expressed confidence, revealing the party has already established "several thousand members" across Scotland and expects to have over 30 local branches by year's end.

The SNP has criticised Reform, arguing that the party's anti-immigration stance "does not align with Scotland's values".

Recent council by-elections have shown Reform gaining significant support, consistently polling in double digits and finishing third in multiple constituencies.

More For You

UK Asian Film Festival 2025 Explores Themes of Longing & Belonging

The UK Asian Film Festival 2025 explores themes of love, identity, and belonging through South Asian cinema

gatty image

UK Asian Film Festival celebrates stories of longing and belonging in 27th edition

From May 1st to 11th, the UK Asian Film Festival (UKAFF) returns for its 27th edition, bringing an interesting line-up of films and events to London, Leicester, and Coventry. This year’s theme, “Longing and Belonging,” explores the universal human search for connection, identity, and purpose through South Asian cinema.

As the longest-running South Asian film festival in the world, UKAFF has always championed female voices and challenged patriarchal norms. This year’s selection continues that mission, presenting stories of displacement, love, tradition, and resilience.

Keep ReadingShow less
ve-day-getty

VE Day 80 street parties, picnics and community get togethers are being encouraged to take place across the country as part of the Great British Food Festival. (Photo: Getty Images)

Public invited to attend VE Day 80 procession and flypast

THE 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day will be marked with a military procession in London on May 5.

The event will include over 1,300 members of the Armed Forces, youth groups, and uniformed services marching from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace.

Keep ReadingShow less
Thudarum Review Round-Up: Mohanlal Delivers a Comeback Masterclass

A scene from Thudarum showcasing Mohanlal and Shobana’s mature on-screen chemistry in this slow-burn family thriller

Instagram/thudarummovie

'Thudarum' review round-up: Mohanlal returns to form in a dark, emotional ride that’s winning hearts

Director Tharun Moorthy’s Thudarum has drawn attention not just for its gripping storyline, but for bringing back the Mohanlal audiences have longed to see: an actor rooted in emotion rather than spectacle. With critics praising both the writing and performances, Thudarum has emerged as a memorable addition to Mohanlal’s long filmography, with reviewers calling it a return to form.

Across the board, reviewers highlight how the film presents Mohanlal as Shanmugham (nicknamed Benz), a humble taxi driver and former stuntman who now lives a quiet life in a Kerala village with his wife, played by Shobana, and two children. His prized possession is his old black Ambassador car, a gift from a mentor which becomes central to the plot when it’s unknowingly used, setting off a chain of devastating events.

Keep ReadingShow less
Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem

A day before the attack, Chopra had announced that top javelin throwers, including Paris Olympics champion Nadeem, had been invited to the event on May 24.

Neeraj Chopra rules out Arshad Nadeem’s presence at Bengaluru event

INDIA’s Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has said that Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem will not be attending the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru next month. His comments came after the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 tourists.

Chopra said the possibility of Nadeem’s presence was “completely out of the question” following the attack, which took place on Tuesday.

Keep ReadingShow less
Songs of the Bulbul

Songs of the Bulbul: A Captivating Fusion of Sufi Myth, Dance, and Music at Leicester’s Curve Theatre

Sufi myth, dance, music at Curve

This April, audiences in Leicester are invited to experience Songs of the Bulbul — a powerful new dance production by acclaimed choreographer Aakash Odedra. Staged at the Curve Theatre, this evocative performance blends classical dance with spiritual storytelling, music, and visual elegance.

Inspired by an ancient Sufi myth, Songs of the Bulbul brings to life the haunting tale of a bulbul (nightingale) held in captivity. The narrative draws deeply from mystic symbolism, exploring themes of longing, freedom, and the soul’s journey through confinement and release.

Keep ReadingShow less