There’s been a political shake-up in Renfrewshire, and it all comes down to… a tie?
Jamie McGuire, the 24-year-old councillor for Renfrew North and Braehead, has officially left the Scottish Labour Party – just three years after being elected – and joined Reform.Scot. The announcement came earlier today from Reform, who said they were “delighted to welcome former Scottish Labour Councillor Jamie McGuire.”
But for those keeping a close eye on council events – and fashion choices – the writing may have been on the wall (or at least around the neck) for some time. As Paisley Photographs cheekily points out, the councillor’s trademark red tie had quietly disappeared from recent engagements, replaced instead with a shade of blue more commonly associated with his new political home.
Coincidence? As it turns out, perhaps not.
The switch from Labour to Reform is a significant one, especially in Renfrewshire, where Labour has traditionally been strong. McGuire was elected in 2022 as one of the youngest councillors in the country, gaining attention for his confident speeches and focus on local issues. His move to Reform.Scot will undoubtedly raise eyebrows – and questions – about the direction of local politics and whether others may follow suit.
Reform.Scot, meanwhile, will see this as a win – a youthful, local figure with council experience now in their ranks.
No official comment yet from Renfrewshire Labour, but it’s likely they’ll be disappointed by the defection.
As for the blue tie? Well, it turns out it was more than just a style choice.
Paisley Photographs 