Nigel Farage celebrates winning one Scottish seat like he invented democracy

Reform handed major by-election victory as Nigel Farage secures historic first Reform UK has marked an historic by-election result after claiming its first council seat in Scotland. Candidate David McLennan won the Whitburn and Blackburn by-election at West Lothian Council after bagging 1,177 of the votes. Scottish Labour Party, which previously held the seat until the resignation of councillor David Russell, meanwhile trailed behind with 627 votes. Reacting to the result, Nigel Farage said: "This is a fantastic victory for Reform UK Scotland in a seat we were not expected to win."The Party's Scotland branch described it as a "momentous day", adding: "Reform is coming." The by-election victory marks a potentially defining moment for Reform ahead of the Holyrood elections in 2026. And it comes just days after Mr Farage announced a surprise defection from the Conservatives while speaking in Scotland. Lord Offord of Garvel became the first member of the House of Lords to join Reform as he revealed his departure from the Tories. He brings extensive political experience to the party, having served as Minister of State for Scotland between 2021 and 2024. Lord Offord was also Minister of State for Exports between 2023 and 2024 and was Treasurer of the Scottish Conservatives. Welcoming the former Tory peer, Mr Farage said: “I am delighted to welcome Malcolm to Reform. “This is a brave and historic act. He will take Reform UK Scotland to a new level,” the Clacton MP declared. Reform added three more by-election wins to its record this week. GB News breaks down the full results below. South Kesteven - Lincolnshire Reform marked a double victory in Lincolnshire, taking hold of two seats on South Kesteven District Council. This includes in the Belmont ward, where the resignation of Independent councillor Phil Gadd left a vacant seat. And it was Reform candidate Richard Litchfield who 239 votes in a tight race with the Conservatives, who followed closely behind with 237 votes. The picture was similar in the Aveland ward where Reform took a Tory seat, with winning candidate Kyle Abel taking home 290 votes. MORE UPDATES TO FOLLOW... Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter