Reform UK Candidate Drops Out, Party Denies Chaos

0:00It's March 27th. From your city to your ears, this is Edinburgh News Today, powered by AI. A reform, UK candidate in Scotland has become the fifth to drop out of the upcoming election race since the party's conference on March 19th. James Glyn, slated for Edinburgh Northwestern, pulled his candidacy right after Linda Holt, quit her bid for 5th Northeast. Holt stepped away citing insufficient party backing after her controversial social media post targeting former first minister Humsai Yusef. Earlier dropout added to the troubles. Roland Jackson's name appeared in air from mid-5 in Glynross, with him saying he never planned to run. Jordan Brown did not be in the candidate for Aberdeen Central, and Stuart Neven got suspended for Dundee City West over a past disqualification tied to misusing a COVID loan. Reactions poured in quickly. Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander called the situation humiliating for a form, saying their chaos shows there no real threat to the SNP.

1:01Meanwhile, party leader Malcolm offered, pushback, during a BBC radio-style interview, insisting it's the opposite of Shambolic. Offered explain they've vetted over 300 candidates in a rush to field 73 across Scotland's constituencies, and some just can. Handle the scrutiny. He stressed they have backups ready and plan a full slate despite the exits. With the Scottish Parliament election set for May 7th, recent polls show reform holding second place behind the SNP as their campaign pushes. Forward amid the shakeups.