Reform MSP Graham Simpson Denies Bullying Allegations Following Defection

Graham Simpson, a newly appointed Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Reform UK, has firmly denied allegations of bullying made against him by his former party, the Scottish Conservatives. This denial follows his announcement on Wednesday, when he revealed his decision to leave the Conservatives in favour of Reform UK.

The accusations surfaced almost immediately after Simpson’s announcement. A source from the Scottish Conservatives informed journalists that a complaint had been lodged against him by a female staff member. When questioned about these claims, Mr. Simpson responded, stating they were “absolutely untrue.”

The Conservative source characterized Simpson in harsh terms, alleging that he had previously apologised to a young female staff member for behaving in a “totally inappropriate, bullying and intimidating way.” According to this source, his conduct was so egregious that he was compelled to issue a personal apology. The source concluded, “He’ll be more trouble than he’s worth for Reform.”

Simpson had anticipated backlash from his former colleagues, indicating that his defection would “spark anger, disappointment and probably some sheer nastiness.” At a press conference following his announcement, he reiterated his denial of the allegations, stating, “That’s the kind of nastiness that I was alluding to earlier; they’ve come out of the traps sooner than I thought.” He added, “Anything internally will be dealt with internally and that’s the way I’ll leave it. I certainly don’t have a problem with women.”

In response to Simpson’s denial, another source from the Conservative Party accused him of “lying,” asserting that it is a matter of fact that he had apologised for his behaviour. This back-and-forth highlights the tensions surrounding his departure from the party.

The political landscape reacted sharply to Simpson’s shift to Reform UK. Scottish Labour’s deputy leader, Dame Jackie Baillie, remarked that he is merely the latest Tory to abandon a “sinking ship” to salvage his career. Baillie stated, “It’s clear that Reform are simply Tories by another name, but neither party has any answers to the challenges Scotland faces.”

Patrick Harvie, co-leader of the Scottish Greens, described Simpson’s move as “desperate opportunism,” asserting that Reform UK has become the “first choice for failed Tory politicians.” Meanwhile, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton commented that the defection underscores the Conservatives’ decline, expressing optimism that his party could surpass them in upcoming elections.

As the political discourse unfolds, the implications of Simpson’s defection and the accompanying allegations will likely continue to reverberate through the Scottish political arena. The events highlight the increasing divisions within the Scottish Conservatives and the challenges faced by political figures navigating shifting allegiances.