Malcolm Offord, the leader of Reform UK in Scotland, has revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer on the same day as the Holyrood election earlier this year. The politician said he underwent surgery last week and is now feeling fit and ready to get back to work.
Offord spoke openly about his diagnosis, saying the timing was quite the double blow given he received the news on election day itself. Despite the personal health battle running alongside his political commitments, he kept the diagnosis private until now.
The Reform UK Scotland chief said surgery had gone well and described himself as “raring to go” as he returns to frontline politics. His openness about the diagnosis comes as prostate cancer awareness continues to be a major public health issue in Scotland, with thousands of men diagnosed every year.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men across Scotland and the wider UK. Survival rates have improved significantly in recent decades, largely due to earlier detection and advances in surgical and treatment options. Health campaigners have long pushed for men to get checked sooner rather than later, arguing that many still put off visiting their GP despite warning signs.
Offord has been a prominent figure in Scottish right-wing politics, leading Reform UK north of the border as the party has attempted to build a foothold in Holyrood and local politics. His public disclosure of the diagnosis may well shine a light on the importance of men coming forward and seeking medical advice early.
He has not gone into detail about the specific type or stage of his cancer, but the fact he has already had surgery and is describing himself as ready to return to full duties suggests the prognosis is positive.
Campaigners and health charities have welcomed any public figure speaking out about prostate cancer, noting that high-profile cases often lead to a spike in men booking GP appointments and asking about testing. Scotland has faced ongoing challenges around men engaging with health services, with figures consistently showing men are less likely than women to seek medical help proactively.
Offord is expected to resume his political duties in the coming days as Reform UK continues to push for greater representation across Scotland.
Really sorry to hear that, hope he gets the treatment he needs and recovers well. Doesn’t matter what your politics are, nobody deserves to go through that. Wishing him all the best honestly.