On what seemed like a political earthquake, Scottish Labour achieved what many thought impossible, with a slender yet powerful victory in the Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse by-election. In a tight race, Labour’s Davy Russell defeated Katy Loudon from SNP with a margin of 602 votes. This result is particularly poignant for the Scottish National Party (SNP) as they had clung onto this constituency for over a decade. This result is more than just local- it is something that SNP needs to consider mentally. SNP should start mulling over the possibility that their once-ironclad control over Scottish politics might be in a state of decline.
No one considered this by-election to have the potential of changing the game. Yet, here we are. As things have turned out, the SNP’s internal cost of living struggles, NHS crisis and the overall sense of running in circles seem to be relatively accurate. Residents of Hamilton didn’t simply cast their votes for Labour- they cast their hopes for change.
Reform UK Surprises Everyone with a Strong Third Place
Headlines were not only concerning Labour and SNP. Reform UK, usually wrote off in Scotland, came a surprising third with 7,088 votes. Ross Lambie's score in the elections was shocking to many, even within his own party. This is the best ever outcome of Reform UK in Scotland.
It seems clear that voters from the set demographic group were willing to try something new. The groups ‘back to basics’ rhetoric alongside local policing and anti-immigration sentiment helped mobilize a frustrated bunch. Only time will tell about Reform UK’s long-term support, however it is certain that the region's status quo was greatly disrupted.
In the words of one voter from Glasgow, “Every party needs to pay attention to this.” With Scots actively stating, “The demolishing of ignoring Scots needs to come to an end,” transparency is vastly becoming the norm.
Labour party UK has won Hamilton by election in Scotland election did I not say reform wouldn’t win 🤣🤣
— Here He Goes Again Real Account #ABOLISHOLLYROOD (@HHGoesMain1984) June 6, 2025
Reform has karma, today has been beautiful.
Next time listen to your grassroots members and influencers who know how Scottish politics works. pic.twitter.com/KJH1DOQ5dJ
What This Means for SNP—and the Future of Scotland
The SNP is undoubtedly rattled by this. No doubt about that. First Minister Swinney John admitted SNP improved on recent polling figures, but there is room for much more improvment when stating, “Clearly not enough.” For the many scrutiny is observing concerns having to do with struggling families as well as with the leadership and vision of the party are inevitable.
Katy Loudon, the SNP candidate, expressed her sadness with Vollard after the count. “We fought hard,” she said “we have to listen more, not talk more.”
Different strokes for different folks, as they say. As Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar put it:
“This is what change looks like.”
He was all smiles when reporters approached him, “People are trusting us again. In return we need to earn it, in their eyes, every single day.” But this is the very win Labour needs to pick up steam before the Holyrood elections in 2026. It's a long road ahead though. Best believe Scottish voters are unflinchingly relentless on their regional parties.
The Voters Are Pessimistic — But Their Optimism Persists
In Hamilton, when conversing with the locals, it's clear they feel the need to vote but not out of loyalty to a party. It’s a collective feeling. A feeling of fatigue. Fatigue from waiting months to see a doctor. From the hiking costs of groceries. From the everyday monotony of politics. From the granulated snow in autumn.
It’s clear Labour’s strategy coinciding with those sentiments was effective. Their message: We hear you. Let’s work on this together… no snowflakes.
And that’s what brought it home.
As it stands the turnout peaked at 44.2% and buoyed up optimism. You could feel the energy. The spirit. This is no fluke. If the major parties aren’t listening yet, they will be, one way or another. And the chances of that happening while they’re making colossal errors, well, it’s unlikely.
Image Source: The Times
