Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has launched a stinging attack on First Minister John Swinney, accusing him of misleading voters during the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election campaign. According to Sarwar, the SNP ran a “dishonest” campaign by framing the race as a two-party contest between the SNP and Reform UK, led nationally by Nigel Farage. This narrative, he argued, was an intentional attempt to marginalize Labour and manipulate voter perceptions. However, the actual result told a different story: Labour’s candidate, Davy Russell, won the seat with 8,559 votes, ahead of SNP’s Katy Loudon with 7,957, while Reform UK’s Ross Lambie came in third with 7,088. For Sarwar, the outcome served as proof that voters were not swayed by what he sees as a cynical attempt to game the election.
Sarwar didn’t hold back in his criticism, describing the SNP’s strategy as devoid of integrity and an insult to the intelligence of the electorate. He claimed that instead of engaging with the real issues affecting local communities, such as the cost of living, public services, and healthcare, the SNP relied on fearmongering and distortion to sway support. Sarwar’s remarks reflect a broader theme in Labour’s Scottish campaign: positioning themselves as the credible alternative to what they call an increasingly desperate nationalist movement. He argues that the by-election result shows a clear shift away from SNP dominance and a public that is growing tired of political gamesmanship.
In response, John Swinney defended his party’s campaign, saying that the rise of Reform UK in polling made them a legitimate threat and one that needed to be addressed head-on. While Reform UK did post a strong showing with a 26.1% share of the vote, up significantly from previous elections, it wasn’t enough to eclipse either of the two more established parties. Reform UK’s leadership, including deputy leader Richard Tice, celebrated the result as a sign of growing momentum. Still, the bigger political story remains Labour’s win, which has been hailed as a major confidence boost for Sarwar’s leadership and a clear signal ahead of the next general election.
The fallout from the by-election suggests a new level of volatility in Scottish politics, with old alliances breaking down and new power dynamics emerging. For Labour, it’s a hopeful sign that they may be regaining ground in a landscape long dominated by the SNP.
