Paul Bennie - Candidate (Scottish Parliament elections (Constituencies)) for Glasgow Central | Reform Watch

Paul Bennie quits Reform UK and accuses Scottish leadership of cronyism and bullying

15 October 2026

Category: intimidation bullying

Paul Bennie resigned from Reform UK and publicly accused its Scottish leadership of cronyism, nepotism and bullying. He said senior figures had rewarded defecting councillors, former Conservatives and personal associates with top regional-list positions through back-room deals and promises in return for loyalty. Bennie also alleged nepotism in candidate selection and said that when he raised concerns Martyn Greene attempted to bully him with threats to remove him as a candidate. The allegation matters because Bennie was Reform UK’s candidate in Glasgow Central at the Holyrood election, where official results record him with 3,988 votes and a third-place finish, giving weight to his claim as a former candidate. He named Thomas Kerr in his letter, calling him a "political grifter and charlatan" and criticising Kerr’s past as a former Conservative councillor and his record on transgender and abortion issues, which Bennie presented as evidence of poor judgment in selection. A Reform UK spokesperson confirmed Bennie is no longer a member and said the party did not attempt to reverse his decision.