Scottish Labour's Davy Russell secured a significant victory in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, taking the seat from the incumbent SNP with a majority of 602 votes. The by-election was triggered by the death of SNP MSP Christina McKelvie. This win is a major boost for Scottish Labour, overturning a previous SNP majority and defying pollsters who suggested Reform UK might push Labour into third place. The campaign was marked by controversy, including accusations of racist campaigning by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage against Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.
Labour wins Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election
Hamilton, Larkhall and StonehouseScotlandScottish GreensScottish LabourScottish ConservativesScottish Liberal DemocratsScottish ParliamentReform UKSNP (Scottish National Party)
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Scottish Labour's Davy Russell secured a significant victory in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, taking the seat from the incumbent SNP with a majority of 602 votes. The by-election was triggered by the death of SNP MSP Christina McKelvie. This win is a major boost for Scottish Labour, overturning a previous SNP majority and defying pollsters who suggested Reform UK might push Labour into third place. The campaign was marked by controversy, including accusations of racist campaigning by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage against Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.
Trending- 1 2011: Christina McKelvie first represented the constituency.
- 2 2021: Christina McKelvie won the seat with a majority of 4,582; turnout was 60%.
- 3 March (current year): Christina McKelvie died aged 57 after being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer.
- 4 2023: Katy Loudon lost the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election to Labour's Michael Shanks.
- 5 2024: Katy Loudon lost the general election to Labour's Michael Shanks.
- 6 Last summer (2024): Scottish Labour swept the SNP aside in the general election.
- 7 Thursday (June 5, 2025): The by-election was held in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, with Davy Russell winning for Scottish Labour.
- 8 Next year (2026): Scottish Parliament (Holyrood) elections are scheduled.
- Provided a significant boost for Scottish Labour ahead of next year's Holyrood elections.
- Marked a setback for the SNP, who acknowledged the need for further work.
- Showcased a strong performance by Reform UK, finishing third.
- Highlighted controversial campaigning tactics, including accusations of racism against Reform UK.
What: Scottish Labour won the Holyrood by-election in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency, gaining the seat from the SNP.
When: Thursday (June 5, 2025) for the vote; results announced the morning after (Friday, June 6, 2025).
Where: Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency, central Scotland, United Kingdom. The victory impacts the Scottish Parliament (Holyrood).
Why: The by-election was held due to the death of the sitting SNP MSP, Christina McKelvie. Scottish Labour's victory is attributed to a popular local candidate, targeted campaigning, and effective voter turnout operations.
How: Through a by-election, where Davy Russell of Scottish Labour secured the most votes (8,559) with a 44.2% turnout.