A SCOTTISH councillor has become the latest to defect from the Conservatives to Reform UK, the party has confirmed.
Councillor Poppy Corbett has defected from the Scottish Conservatives to Reform UK at South Lanarkshire Council, the party said on Friday.
In a post on Twitter/X, Reform UK Scotland wrote: "We're delighted to welcome Cllr Poppy Corbett from South Lanarkshire Council.
"It's clear we have all the momentum in Scottish politics. Scotland needs Reform".
We're delighted to welcome Cllr Poppy Corbett from South Lanarkshire Council. It's clear we have all the momentum in Scottish politics. Scotland needs Reform 🏴 pic.twitter.com/PnM5jmsk4k
— Reform UK Scotland (@ReformUKScot) March 28, 2025
Corbett took to Facebook to announce the decision, where she said Reform UK were fighting for "a real change for Scotland".
She wrote: "Wee announcement to make! This was not a decision that was taken lightly but sadly the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party no longer represent the people I think it should.
"Reform UK are ready to fight for common sense and a real change for Scotland. I have, for the past eight years, been happy to represent anyone who contacts me, regardless of the party they support, and this will not change.
"I am here to help my constituents in any way I can and I hope you can support me and respect my decision."
Corbett is one of the councillors for the Clydesdale West ward on South Lanarkshire Council.
Her defection brings the total number of Reform UK councillors in Scotland to 10. It also makes her the second Reform UK councillor at South Lanarkshire Council, alongside Ross Lambie.
Other Reform UK councillors include Glasgow's Thomas Kerr (below), who defected from the Tories in January.
He welcomed the announcement, saying: “It’s great to welcome councillor Poppy Corbett to Reform UK Scotland’s growing ranks – we’re officially in the double digits.
“Reform UK is putting the tired, failing mainstream parties on notice – we’re building a historic movement that will transform our politics.”
Meanwhile, Aberdeenshire Council has two Reform UK councillors (Laurie Carnie and Mark Findlater), Falkirk has one (Claire Mackie Brown), North Ayrshire has two (Stewart Ferguson and Matthew McLean), and Renfrewshire Council also has two (John Gray and Alec Leishman).
A Scottish Conservatives spokesperson said: “We wish Poppy well in the future.
“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.”
