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Watch: Tice forgets names of Reform defectors

(Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

Oh dear. Poor Richard Tice is the latest politician to have an embarrassing memory lapse. During his first trip to Scotland of 2025, the Boston and Skegness MP appeared in Glasgow this morning to reveal his party’s newest defectors. Except, er, he couldn’t quite remember their names…

When he was grilled by one Scottish hack about the surnames of new recruits ‘John and Ross’, Tice couldn’t recall them. In fact, the party’s deputy leader didn’t appear to know all that much about the pair at all. ‘What are their surnames?’ the journalist pressed. ‘I’m answering policy questions,’ an irate Tice shot back. An excruciating back-and-forth ensued – during which Tice attempted to shrug off the reporter after he quizzed him on which councils his defectors were from. ‘Do you know anything about Scottish politics?’ the journalist concluded incredulously. ‘You can’t even name your own members up here.’ Ouch.

Whether Tice’s forgetfulness will dent his party’s support north of the border is unlikely, however. Nigel Farage’s party is forecast to take 15 seats in next year’s Holyrood poll. But for the sake of his own pride, perhaps Tice should ensure he’s better briefed next time… 

Watch the clip here:

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Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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