In a dramatic shift that could reshape the future of Scottish politics, the Labour Party has claimed a crucial win in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election—snatching a seat long held by the SNP. This stunning result is being hailed as a turning point ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections.

The Numbers

Held on June 5, 2025, the by-election was triggered by the passing of long-time SNP MSP Christina McKelvie. Voter turnout stood at 44.2%, and the result delivered a shock:

• Labour (Davy Russell): 8,559 votes (31.6%)
• SNP (Katy Loudon): 7,957 votes (29.4%)
• Reform UK (Ross Lambie): 7,088 votes (26.1%)
• Conservatives: 1,621 votes (6.0%)

Labour secured the win by a narrow margin of 602 votes, marking a dramatic shift in a region held by the SNP since 2011.

What This Means for Labour

For Scottish Labour, this win is more than just a seat—it’s a statement. Labour leader Anas Sarwar called it a “launchpad for a Scottish Labour government in 2026,” and the win suggests the party’s message is starting to resonate again with voters in key constituencies.

Davy Russell, the new MSP, brings a background in civil engineering and local public service. His win signals not just a personal triumph but a broader renewal of Labour’s presence in Scotland.

Trouble for the SNP?

The result is a wake-up call for the SNP. Despite aggressive campaigning—including visits from First Minister John Swinney—the party saw a 16.8% drop in vote share compared to 2021. It’s a clear sign that voter confidence in the SNP may be waning.

Reform UK’s Rise and Controversy

One of the more unexpected developments came from Reform UK, which pulled in over 7,000 votes. However, their success was overshadowed by controversy: a campaign video attacking Labour’s Anas Sarwar on racial grounds sparked national outrage. The party’s chair, Zia Yusuf, resigned in protest, condemning the campaign’s tone.

The Bigger Picture

This result could mark the start of a broader political shift in Scotland. Labour’s momentum is building, the SNP is under pressure, and Reform UK is stirring the pot with unexpected strength—though not without backlash.

As we head toward the 2026 Holyrood elections, all eyes are on how this by-election might forecast what’s to come.

This by-election was called following the death of SNP MSP Christina, aged 57, following a battle with cancer.

McKelvie had been MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse since May 2011, having initially been elected as a Central Scotland representative in 2007.

She served as the Scottish government’s drugs and alcohol minister until she stepped back last summer after announcing she had secondary breast cancer.

Following her death, First Minister John Swinney said his party was aching as he paid tribute to “a parliamentarian of the highest motivation”.