The upcoming by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse has intensified as Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, made his first campaign visit to Scotland. Addressing supporters in Aberdeen, Farage described his party as a “fresh positive voice” amidst the political “seesaw” between Labour and the SNP. He claimed Reform UK has made “remarkable strides” in Scotland over the past year and is “beginning to eclipse Labour.”
Farage announced the defection of two councillors to Reform UK: Duncan Massey, formerly of the Conservative Party on Aberdeen City Council, and Jamie McGuire, who previously represented Labour on Renfrewshire Council. He attributed these moves to the party’s appeal to “very, very good fresh talent.”
However, Farage’s visit has sparked controversy. Both Scottish Labour and the SNP have criticized his campaign, urging voters to reject Reform UK in Thursday’s vote. The backlash stems from a recent Reform UK advert featuring a speech by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. The ad included text suggesting Sarwar wanted to “prioritise the Pakistani community,” a claim he did not make. Labour and First Minister John Swinney have condemned the video as “blatantly racist.”
Farage defended the advert, stating his party “don’t talk about race at all” and believe in treating everyone equally. He further claimed Sarwar’s speech was “sectarian in its very nature” and suggested it implied the South Asian community aimed to “take over the country and take over the world.”
The by-election was triggered by the death of SNP MSP Christina McKelvie. Farage had planned to attend a media event in Hamilton but canceled after demonstrators gathered at the Reform UK office in the town.
