In a shock result that has shaken Scotland’s political landscape, Labour has won the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, defeating both the SNP and Reform UK in a tightly fought contest. Davy Russell, Labour’s candidate, emerged triumphant with 8,559 votes, overtaking the SNP’s Katy Loudon, who secured 7,957, and Reform UK’s Ross Lambie, who came in third with 7,088.
The result marks a significant 7.4% swing from the SNP to Labour and is being seen as a symbolic rejection of both the nationalist and right-wing populist narratives that have been gaining traction in recent months. Russell’s victory delivers a significant boost to Scottish Labour’s fortunes ahead of next May’s crucial Holyrood elections.
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, had described the by-election as a “two-horse race” between the SNP and Reform UK. However, it was Labour that crossed the finish line first, in what commentators are calling one of the most surprising Scottish by-election outcomes in recent memory.
Russell, speaking shortly after the count in Hamilton, said the result “sent a message to Farage and his mob” that Scotland rejects the “division and poison” peddled by Reform UK.
“This victory is about community,” said the newly elected MSP. “Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse has chosen a new path – one that puts people first and rejects the politics of division.”
He continued, “I will work every single day for this community. We’ve been let down by the SNP for too long. They’ve broken the NHS, squandered public funds, and after nearly twenty years in government, it’s time for real change.”
The by-election was called following the passing of Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie, a well-respected figure in the SNP and local community. While the SNP poured considerable effort into retaining the seat, including multiple campaign visits from Mr Swinney himself, the results suggest that the party’s long dominance in the region may be waning.
SNP candidate Katy Loudon conceded defeat but said she would continue to stand up for her constituents and the party’s vision for an independent Scotland. “While the result tonight isn’t what we hoped for, our commitment to the people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse remains unwavering,” she said.
For Reform UK, a party yet to gain a parliamentary foothold in Scotland, the third-place finish was still hailed as a success by deputy leader Richard Tice. “We’ve never won here, but to come this close and push the SNP is a massive boost for us,” he said.
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However, Russell dismissed their showing. “Tonight, this community stood up and said no to the politics of hate and blame. Reform isn’t Scotland – they don’t speak for us, and they never will.”
The result is likely to inject momentum into Scottish Labour’s campaign, with party leader Anas Sarwar praising Russell and his team. “This result proves that Scottish Labour is back, and we’re ready to lead,” said Sarwar. “People are looking for hope, for leadership, and for a party that will put fairness at the heart of our politics.”
With the next Holyrood election now less than a year away, the result raises fresh questions about the SNP’s direction under Swinney’s leadership and whether the nationalist movement can continue to dominate Scottish politics amidst growing dissatisfaction with public services and governance.
As the dust settles on this dramatic by-election night, one thing is clear: the political winds in Scotland may be beginning to shift.
