REFORM UK deputy leader Richard Tice had a tense clash with a BBC presenter when pressed on his party's leadership on Thursday.
This comes as Reform UK are set to announce two party defections later today, with Tice remaining tight-lipped on who the figures might be.
Tensions ran high early in the interview when presenter Gary Robertson raised John Swinney's view that Nigel Farage is “fundamentally racist”.
Tice said: “Are you accusing, are you accusing the, the Scottish voters who are not willing to vote for the SNP or Labour, are you accusing them all of being racist? Don't be daft. Don’t be juvenile."
Robertson then asked why Scottish voters should support the party “when it seems that Scotland is so down [Reform’s] list of priorities”.
Speaking over the question, Tice sharply responded: “If you're going to ask me a question, have the courtesy of letting me answer, otherwise there's no point doing anything.”
He then continued: “You can't keep spending more money than you're earning, and the Scottish economy, like the rest of the UK, is heading towards bankruptcy unless we change course, and it's about time people had some realism, some honest hard truths.”
Tensions in the interview hit a boiling point when Tice was pressed on Reform UK’s leadership.
Earlier in the year, Nigel Farage “handed over ownership of Reform UK to its members”, according to the party.
Changes have been posted on Companies House that show Reform 2025 Ltd has been established and now controls the shares in the party. Farage remains a director.
Sidestepping the question, Tice (below) said: “If you take the time to read our constitution, you'll find out.”
Robertson responded: “I'm asking you now." Tice then repeatedly spoke over the host, repeating “I just told you”, before claiming that the host called him a liar.
Reform’s constitution outlines that the party’s principle management is operated by “The Party Board” which manages party funds, approves party policy and advises the party leader. It is comprised of the party leader, chairman, members appointed by the leader and three members “in good standing”.
It makes zero mention of party directors.
Tice briefly confirmed during the interview that Reform UK will not support a Scottish independence referendum.
"We are a Unionist party," the deputy leader reiterated.
