The Scottish National Party (SNP) has been dealt a significant political blow following a surprise by-election loss to Labour in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. In a closely fought contest, Labour’s Davy Russell edged out the SNP’s Katy Loudon, claiming 31.6% of the vote to her 29.4%. The upset has rattled the SNP, a party that has long dominated Scottish politics, and raised serious questions about its current direction and strategy.
In the wake of the result, SNP leader John Swinney didn’t mince words, calling it a “very poor result” for his party and acknowledging that lessons need to be learned. He signaled that it’s time for some serious “soul-searching” within the SNP, admitting that the loss could not simply be brushed aside. This by-election wasn’t just about one constituency, it has become a symbolic moment that suggests the SNP’s grip on Scottish politics may be loosening, with Labour now clearly on the offensive.
Labour’s victory has been attributed to a grassroots-driven campaign that focused on local concerns and direct voter engagement. Rather than relying solely on national messages, Labour leaned into on-the-ground activism and practical promises, a strategy that seemed to resonate with voters looking for change. The result is being seen as a major morale boost for the party, especially as it sets its sights on the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
For the SNP, the implications extend beyond just one lost seat. The party now faces the challenge of reconnecting with voters, many of whom may be growing disillusioned with its stance on independence or its handling of key domestic issues. Internally, the pressure is mounting to unify the party and present a fresh, compelling vision that speaks to everyday concerns, not just constitutional debates.
This result has also reignited conversations about the SNP’s broader political narrative and whether it has lost momentum after years of electoral dominance. With Labour gaining ground and eyeing a political comeback in Scotland, the SNP finds itself at a crossroads. How it responds in the coming months could determine whether this by-election loss is a one-off or the start of a wider shift in Scottish politics. Either way, the message from Hamilton is clear: the political landscape is changing, and no party can afford to take voter loyalty for granted.
