Labour Wins Hamilton By-Election After SNP Minister Death

The Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, called after the death of SNP MSP Christina McKelvie, resulted in a shocking Labour victory with candidate Davy Russell defeating the SNP's Katy Loudon by over 600 votes. Despite early confidence within the SNP and expectations that Reform UK might surge, Labour managed to overcome predictions, with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar celebrating the win and condemning negative campaign comments. SNP figures, including ministers, were present during the count but quickly left after the loss, reflecting disappointment and embarrassment. The campaign featured significant involvement from the SNP, who heavily targeted the seat to retain it, and was marked by controversies including Reform UK's attack ads against Sarwar. SNP’s Angus Robertson criticized BBC coverage for focusing on Labour’s potential success early on and for failing to mention Christina McKelvie’s death during the broadcast. The result signals a boost for Labour in a traditionally SNP-held area and complicates the political landscape ahead of the next Holyrood election, although the overall makeup of the Scottish Parliament remains largely unchanged.