Labour's Shock Win in Hamilton Sends Political Shockwaves Across Scotland
So, here we are — talking about one of the most surprising political turns in recent Scottish memory. The Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse by-election has just wrapped up, and the result? A stunning and unexpected victory for Scottish Labour. Let’s break it down.
To be honest, not many people saw this coming. Scottish Labour has been on shaky ground in recent polls, often playing defense over tough UK-wide policies like cuts to winter fuel payments. With all that weighing them down, winning this Holyrood seat — and from the SNP, no less — is a significant moment for the party. Anas Sarwar and his team will be riding high on this result. Their candidate, Davy Russell, is now officially headed to Holyrood, despite having taken a bit of flak during the campaign for avoiding interviews. Party insiders, however, credit his strong local reputation as the key to this win.
But make no mistake, this was no landslide. Labour’s lead was razor-thin — just about 600 votes ahead of the SNP. Compared to the 9,500-vote majority they enjoyed in the Westminster by-election not too long ago, this is definitely a narrower win. And yet, a win is a win — and in politics, momentum matters.
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The SNP, who seemed quietly confident even after the polls closed, have been dealt a blow. This was their seat, held by the late Christina McKelvie, a much-loved MSP. Many believed they’d retain it without much trouble. Reform UK was also a big player in this by-election, coming in a close third and just a few dozen votes behind the SNP. For a party relatively new to the Scottish scene, this performance — bolstered by Nigel Farage’s visit and a full-force campaign — is a warning sign to the big parties. Reform is not just making noise; they’re building real traction.
There’s no denying that the political mood in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse has been restless. On the doorstep, voters were vocal about the cost of living, declining public services, and disillusionment with both Holyrood and Westminster. Many are simply fed up. That’s the fertile ground that allowed this tight three-way race to unfold.
Sarwar didn’t pull punches either. He called out Farage and Reform UK directly, accusing them of fuelling racist division — a claim that resonated with many in the area. The people of Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse seem to have responded by saying: “Not here. Not now.” Russell, in his victory speech, made that crystal clear: this community wants unity and progress, not division.
Now, looking ahead, this result is more than just a local win. It hints at a broader shift. There are many seats across Scotland that mirror the makeup of this constituency. With the Holyrood elections on the horizon next year, the Hamilton result may just be the opening chapter in a much bigger story.
But let’s not forget the Conservatives. In 2021, they were third in this seat. This time, they barely clung to their deposit, dropping to 6%. Reform UK is clearly eating into their base, and unless something changes fast, the Scottish Tories could be looking at major losses in 2026.
So yes, Labour threw everything they had at this by-election — over 200 activists, strategic ground campaigning, and relentless canvassing. It paid off, even if just barely. Whether it’s a one-off or the start of a real comeback story remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: the political map of Scotland is shifting, and Hamilton just sent a loud message to the rest of the country.
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