Scottish Labour emerged victorious in a significant Holyrood byelection, triumphing over both the incumbent SNP and Reform UK’s aggressive, racially charged campaign strategy. This stunning upset effectively bolsters the party’s standing in preparation for the forthcoming Scottish parliamentary elections.
In the central Scotland constituency of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, constituents rallied behind the widely admired local candidate, Davy Russell, following a deeply contentious campaign. The campaign was marred by Nigel Farage’s place in launching an unparalleled series of personal, race-based attacks against Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar.
Despite intense competition and the sudden, tragic loss of the sitting SNP MSP, Christina McKelvie, to breast cancer, the Nationalists were ultimately edged into second place. Reform UK trailed behind in third position.
Given Reform UK’s apparent growth at the expense of both the SNP and Scottish Labour, there was speculation suggesting it might push Sarwar’s party down to third place. However, Scottish Labour’s strategically focused campaigning and an efficient ‘get-out-the-vote’ operation saw them capitalize on a relatively high by-election turnout of 44.2% to secure an unforeseen victory.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jun/06/scottish-labour-win-pivotal-holyrood-byelection-beating-incumbent-snp-and-surging-reform-uk
