Farage Campaigns Scotland By-Election Amid Extremist Support, Independence Poll Surge

Nigel Farage and his Reform UK party are gaining significant political momentum in Scotland and across the UK, with polls suggesting he could become prime minister and push Scottish independence support to near 60%. Farage is actively campaigning in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, which has become a focal point for a contest primarily between Reform and the SNP, amidst accusations from Scottish leaders that Reform promotes racism—a charge Farage denies. Polls indicate that while the SNP remains the largest party in Scotland, Reform UK is surging, potentially overtaking Labour and the Conservatives, who are losing ground. The rise of Reform UK and dissatisfaction with Labour have contributed to increased support for Scottish independence, now at 54% and potentially rising to 58% if Farage becomes prime minister. Despite Labour's decline and Reform's growth, projections still show SNP maintaining a strong position in the upcoming Holyrood elections. Meanwhile, in UK-wide forecasts, Electoral Calculus predicts Reform UK would secure a Commons majority, relegating the Conservatives to the fifth-largest party, signaling a major realignment in British politics.