The Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election saw a surprise win for Labour, but Reform UK emerged as the 'other big winner,' securing their best-ever parliamentary election result in Scotland with a 26% vote share, finishing third. This result signals Reform UK's potential to gain a significant foothold in Scottish politics and challenges the traditional two-horse race narrative.
Why Reform was the other big winner in the Hamilton by-election
Hamilton, Larkhall and StonehouseScotlandScottish GreensScottish LabourScottish ConservativesScottish Liberal DemocratsScottish ParliamentReform UKSNP (Scottish National Party)
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election saw a surprise win for Labour, but Reform UK emerged as the 'other big winner,' securing their best-ever parliamentary election result in Scotland with a 26% vote share, finishing third. This result signals Reform UK's potential to gain a significant foothold in Scottish politics and challenges the traditional two-horse race narrative.
Trending- 1 Last summer: Sir Keir Starmer swept to power, heavily defeating the SNP.
- 2 Monday: Prime Minister announced strategic defence review in Glasgow.
- 3 Current: Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election results announced.
- 4 Next week: Sir Keir Starmer's policy on winter fuel payments to be revised.
- 5 May 2026: Full Scottish Parliament vote.
- Reform UK could gain its first MSPs in the 2026 election
- Challenges the consensus on immigration in Scotland
- Significant setback for Scottish Conservatives
- Labour's localized win runs counter to national polling trends in Scotland
- SNP needs to re-evaluate its strategy
What: Reform UK achieved its best-ever parliamentary election result in Scotland, finishing third with 26% of the vote in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, which Labour won.
When: Yesterday (Statistics Canada report), this week (Bank of Canada decision), last summer (Starmer swept to power, Labour defeated SNP), next week (Starmer's policy revision), Monday (Prime Minister announced strategic defence review in Glasgow), next May (2026 Scottish Parliament election).
Where: Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse (constituency), Scotland, Holyrood (Scottish Parliament), Westminster (UK Parliament), Glasgow.
Why: Voters expressed discontent with established politicians, and concerns about immigration featured prominently, benefiting Reform UK.
How: Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice hailed the result as a 'massive boost.' The SNP's strategy of framing the contest as a two-horse race proved incorrect. Labour's successful ground operation secured their win.