Lanarkshire voters now have a Reform MSP after Central Scotland member Graham Simpson announced his defection from the Conservatives to Nigel Farage’s party.

Simpson, who has represented the electoral region comprising all of North and most of South Lanarkshire since 2016, revealed his decision at a press conference alongside the Reform leader – saying: “I’ve joined because we have a chance to create something new, lasting and exciting.”

Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn is set to launch a new socialist party with fellow MP Zarah Sultana.

Provisionally called ‘Your Party’, it has attracted around 800,000 supporters and a branch in Glasgow is set to launch. Contesting next year’s Holyrood election would be Corbyn’s first major electoral test.

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