A former Scottish Conservative activist who campaigned for France’s hard-right National Rally has been appointed to a taxpayer-funded post in the Glasgow office of Reform MSP Thomas Kerr. The move — confirmed by Kerr — has drawn criticism from rival politicians and raised questions about vetting and political judgment.
John White, who previously travelled to France to campaign alongside figures from Marine Le Pen’s party, is now listed as working on **comms and research** for the MSP, Kerr said. The hire places someone with a record of overseas far-right activity on the public payroll, a shift that opponents say warrants scrutiny.
Background and past activity
White came to public attention after visiting France during the European election campaign, posting photographs with the party’s young leader, **Jordan Bardella**, and tweeting praise for a continent-wide rise in nationalist politics. At the time he was a member of the Scottish Conservatives.
National Rally — formerly associated with the National Front — has promoted policies such as restricting automatic citizenship for children of foreign parents and tighter rules around places of worship. The party’s history and some statements from earlier leaders remain politically sensitive in the UK.
Around the same period, White publicly supported a Glasgow demonstration that critics feared would attract far-right groups; other controversial activists, including Tommy Robinson, separately signalled backing for the event.
How parties have reacted
A Conservative source expressed concern about Kerr’s decision, saying it calls into question his choices for staff and could damage Reform’s image. Kerr defended the appointment, describing White as “a great guy” and confirming his role involves communications and research work.
SNP MSP Stuart McMillan warned that bringing individuals linked to far-right campaigning into Scottish parliamentary circles risks normalising views the new government rejects, and argued the administration is focused on uniting communities rather than amplifying divisive voices.
What this means at Holyrood
The presence of a staffer with this background introduces immediate political friction:
- Reputational risk — Opponents say the hire could tarnish Reform’s standing among moderate voters.
- Parliamentary access — The role gives White regular access to Holyrood facilities and to the MSP’s communications channels.
- Scrutiny and oversight — Parties and parliamentary officials may face pressure to explain recruitment checks for constituency and parliamentary staff.
One Holyrood insider suggested Kerr is being positioned as a rising figure within Reform and may be a contender to lead the party in Scotland in future — a prospect that, if accurate, increases the political stakes of his staffing choices.
The appointment underscores broader tensions in UK politics over the movement of activists between parties and across borders, and how past campaigning activity should weigh on public employment in elected officials’ offices. For constituents and party members, the episode raises practical questions about accountability and the standards expected of parliamentary staff.
Hi, I’m Benjamin, a member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a passion for writing and a deep interest in current affairs, I thoroughly enjoy bringing you the latest news and trends that affect our daily lives.
