Councillor Amanda Hampsey, who represents Oban South and the Isles on Argyll and Bute Council, has defected from the Scottish Conservatives to join Reform UK Scotland.
The move makes her the 23rd councillor in Scotland to join the party and follows the earlier defection of her son, Councillor Daniel Hampsey, who switched to Reform UK Scotland earlier this year.
The announcement adds another elected representative to the party as it continues efforts to expand its presence in local government across Scotland.
Hampsey has served communities in the Oban South and the Isles ward, an area covering Oban and surrounding island communities within Argyll and Bute.
She said her decision reflects growing frustration among residents who feel decisions affecting rural and island communities are too often taken far from the areas they impact.
“Across Scotland, and particularly in Argyll and Bute, many people feel their voices are no longer being heard.
“Decisions affecting our communities are too often made by those far removed from the realities of rural and island life, leaving local people feeling overlooked and undervalued.
“That growing frustration is why more people are turning to Reform UK, out of a desire for politics that truly puts communities first.
“Argyll and Bute deserves strong representation, meaningful investment, and policies that recognise the importance of rural Scotland, ensuring our communities can thrive and our young people can build their futures here at home.
“Under the leadership of Malcolm Offord, Reform UK Scotland is offering a new and positive vision for government; one based on lower taxes, efficient public services, economic competitiveness, and a willingness to challenge a system that has grown complacent and unaccountable.
“That is why today I am announcing that I have joined Reform UK to play my part in helping build and deliver that alternative and put our communities back at the centre of decision making.”
Reform UK Scotland leader Malcolm Offord welcomed the announcement and said Hampsey would strengthen the party’s presence in Argyll and Bute.
“We are delighted to have Amanda on board. She will be an asset to the party, our vision and she will continue to represent her community successfully.”
The defection highlights continuing political movement at local authority level as parties seek to strengthen their representation ahead of future elections.
Argyll and Bute Council covers a large and geographically diverse area including mainland communities and island populations, where issues such as transport connectivity, housing and public services often dominate local political debate.
