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A former Conservative councillor says he will use his “interpersonal skills” to recruit fellow “disillusioned” members to the Reform UK cause. Gavin Scott has become South Ayrshire’s first councillor to declare his intention to join Nigel Farage’s party. Scott, who had been sitting as an independent since he left the Conservatives in May. The councillor for Girvan and South Carrick has told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he is seeking to join Reform UK, having been elected as a Conservative in 2022 – before leaving the party to sit as an independent earlier this year. He said that he was becoming disillusioned with the Conservative party as far back as 2022. He eventually left the party in May this year and became an independent after a bombshell public meeting in which he branded a fellow councillor a “c*nt”. He said: “I must stress it has nothing whatsoever to do with the SNP or any other party, having followed and listening to Mr. Farage and colleagues, I know Reform is the way forward successfully. “The United Kingdom is governed in a poor way at present and the best way forward is to get the general electorate’s confidence increased by Reform’s policy on NHS, a better deal for the pensioners, a stricter control on immigration, making education more enjoyable for both teachers and pupils, prisons, housing and roadworks etc.” He said that he had been told by constituents to join Reform. He added: “What strikes me most is the lack of enthusiasm shown not only by the Conservatives but by Labour and SNP also, telling me it is an ideal time for Reform to enter into South Ayrshire Council with enthusiasm, hard work and ambition for the party helping to increase Reform’s performance on the political map. “I would like to mention, by using my interpersonal skills I am sure I can hopefully persuade other disillusioned councillors to join Reform, that is of course if Reform select me to continue my term as a Reform councillor, carrying out my role with enthusiasm, coherently and ambition for the party.” Reform UK have been contacted for comment. A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson confirmed the change made by Cllr Scott. They said: “The Council received notification from Councillor Gavin Scott of his intention to join Reform UK. “The decision will be formally notified at the next meeting of South Ayrshire Council. “
