In a significant political shift, Scottish Labour has secured a surprising victory in the Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse by-election, defeating the incumbent Scottish National Party (SNP) and outperforming Reform UK. Labour candidate Davy Russell garnered 8,559 votes, narrowly surpassing SNP’s Katy Loudon, who received 7,957 votes. Reform UK, a rising force in Scottish politics, achieved a commendable third place with 7,088 votes, indicating their growing influence in the region.
The by-election was necessitated by the passing of SNP MSP Christina McKelvie, who had represented the area since 2011. Despite the SNP’s long-standing hold on the constituency, Labour’s focused campaign and strong community ties led to their unexpected success. The result is seen as a potential indicator of shifting political dynamics in Scotland, with Labour positioning itself as a formidable contender ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
Labour leader Anas Sarwar hailed the victory as a clear message from voters seeking change, expressing confidence that this momentum would carry the party forward in future elections. The SNP, on the other hand, acknowledged the setback and emphasized the need for reflection and renewal to regain public trust.
This outcome underscores the unpredictable nature of Scottish politics and the potential for significant shifts in voter allegiance. As political parties analyze the results, the Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse by-election will likely be viewed as a pivotal moment in Scotland’s evolving political landscape.
