Labour secured a victory in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Holyrood by-election, offering comfort to the UK government but not a clear strategic breakthrough in Scotland. The by-election results, marked by a Tory collapse, a slump for the Scottish National Party (SNP), and a significant rise for Reform UK (which leapfrogged the Conservatives), indicate a volatile shift in Scottish politics. The article suggests that the next Holyrood elections in 2026 will likely result in a more divided chamber, necessitating coalitions and a focus on 'bread-and-butter issues' rather than independence.
The Guardian view on Scottish politics: Labour wins the seat but not – yet – the argument
LabourScottish politicsScotlandScottish National party (SNP)Reform UKPoliticsLiberal DemocratsGreen partyUK
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Labour secured a victory in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Holyrood by-election, offering comfort to the UK government but not a clear strategic breakthrough in Scotland. The by-election results, marked by a Tory collapse, a slump for the Scottish National Party (SNP), and a significant rise for Reform UK (which leapfrogged the Conservatives), indicate a volatile shift in Scottish politics. The article suggests that the next Holyrood elections in 2026 will likely result in a more divided chamber, necessitating coalitions and a focus on 'bread-and-butter issues' rather than independence.
Trending- 1 2021: Last time voters cast ballots in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse; Tories became official opposition in Holyrood.
- 2 Recently (Thursday, June 5, 2025): Holyrood by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.
- 3 This week: Reform UK chair Zia Yusuf lost.
- 4 Next year (2026): Holyrood elections scheduled.
- Labour gains a foothold but not a breakthrough
- SNP faces acute crisis
- Tories face existential crisis
- Reform UK gains significant ground
- Likely need for coalitions in Holyrood after 2026 elections
- Shift in focus from independence to 'bread-and-butter issues'
What: Labour won a Holyrood by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, but the results (Tory collapse, SNP slump, Reform UK rise) signal a volatile shift in Scottish politics, suggesting a more divided Holyrood chamber after the 2026 elections.
When: By-election held recently (Thursday, June 5, 2025, implied by 'Thursday's result'); 2021 (last time voters cast ballots in the area); next Holyrood elections scheduled for next year (2026).
Where: Scotland, Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse (constituency), Holyrood (Scottish Parliament), Westminster.
Why: Dissatisfaction with SNP governance, diminishing appeal of independence, protest votes, and unionist anger (benefiting Reform UK).
How: Labour's win was secured through welfare signalling, a ground campaign, and a visit by Sir Keir Starmer. Reform UK gained ground through protest votes and identity politics (e.g., 'race-baiting' advert).