Overview
- Malcolm Offord apologised for making a homophobic joke about George Michael’s partner during a Burns Night speech in January 2018 and said he is not homophobic.
- An eyewitness said the London Scottish Rugby Club speech included a crude story about Fadi Fawaz and that Offord appeared intoxicated, which left people in the room uncomfortable.
- After the reports resurfaced, First Minister John Swinney called Offord unfit for office and leaders from Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens urged him to step down.
- Offord said he apologised at the time, donated to the gay‑inclusive King’s Cross Steelers rugby club and arranged a fixture with them as amends.
- Reform UK’s only MSP, Graham Simpson, said Offord remains fit to lead, and the row adds to scrutiny of Reform’s Scottish candidates and the party’s standing at Holyrood.