Labour Wins Hamilton Holyrood By-Election, Defeats SNP Stronghold

Labour achieved a surprising victory in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, overturning a substantial SNP majority to elect Davy Russell as the new MSP. Despite First Minister John Swinney framing the contest as a two-horse race between the SNP and Reform UK, Labour outpolled both parties, with the SNP's Katy Loudon finishing second and Reform UK's Ross Lambie third. The result, following the death of SNP MSP Christina McKelvie, marks a significant boost for Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar ahead of next year's Holyrood election, signaling voter desire for change after nearly two decades of SNP governance. Russell emphasized putting the community first and rejected Reform UK's divisive politics, while Swinney acknowledged the disappointment but affirmed the SNP's unity and commitment to regain the seat. The by-election turnout was higher than expected but still below 2021 levels, and the SNP's losses continue to raise concerns about its current leadership. Reform UK's third-place finish was viewed as a positive sign for the party despite not winning the seat.