Scottish Labour win Scottish Parliament by-election

On 5 June 2025, the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election was held in Scotland. The election was held following the death of incumbent MSP Christina McKelvie in March. The by-election was won by Davy Russell from the Scottish Labour. Ten candidates stood in the by-election.

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon campaigned with SNP candidate Katy Loudon. Reform UK was accused of racism after an attack ad against Anas Sarwar. Issues in the campaign included cost of living, healthcare, small businesses and revitalising the town centre.

Labour candidate Davy Russell was elected with 31.6% of the vote. The Scottish National Party came in second with 29.4% ahead of Reform UK which came in third place with 26.1%. The Scottish Conservatives won 6.0%, the Scottish Greens had 2.6%, and the Scottish Liberal Democrats won 2.0%.

In his victory speech, Russell said “Like the people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse – and right across Scotland – we all feel we’ve been let down by the SNP. After nearly two decades [in power], they don’t deserve another chance... The poison of Reform isn’t us, it isn’t Scotland, and we don’t want your division here". According to BBC News the outcome is significant going into the Scottish Parliament election scheduled for 2026.

== Sources ==

Danyel VanReenen. Scottish Labour stun SNP to win crucial Hamilton by-election — STV News, June 6, 2025

Angus Cochrane. SNP to 'learn lessons' as Labour wins crucial by-election — BBC News, June 6, 2025

Rob Powell. Scotland's Labour weren't the only winners in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election — Sky News, June 6, 2025

Glenn Campbell. Parties jockey for power in Hamilton by-election — BBC News, June 1, 2025

Judith Tonner. Nicola Sturgeon joins campaign trail with Hamilton by-election candidate Katy Loudon — Daily Record, May 22, 2025

David Wallace Lockhart. Reform accused of 'blatant racism' over Sarwar ad — BBC News, May 22, 2025

Candidates confirmed for by-election to replace late SNP MSP — STV News, May 1, 2025

Jenness Mitchell. Scottish government minister Christina McKelvie dies aged 57 — Sky News, March 27, 2025