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STV News
4 days ago
- Politics
- STV News
Bunting, ballots, and a bitter battle: One week until crucial by-election
The bunting is already up in the main street of Larkhall ahead of the annual gala. But the town is also at the centre of a political battle which has grown increasingly bitter in recent days. The SNP has held the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency since it was created in 2011. The party of the Scottish Government is defending a majority of 4,582 from the Holyrood election in 2021. Katy Loudon is looking to retain the seat for the party after the death of Christina McKelvie. STV News SNP candidate Katy Loudon, Scottish Labour candidate Davy Russell, Tory candidate Richard Nelson, and Reform UK candidate Ross Lambie are fighting for the Hamilton, Larkhall, Stonehouse seat. STV News Loudon lost out to Labour in the Westminster by-election for Rutherglen and Hamilton West in 2023. Just as that result was used as a pointer for the General Election, this one will also be examined to see what it can tell us ahead of the Scottish Parliament election next year. Has the SNP managed to steady the ship? Has Labour lost the momentum that swept them into Downing Street? Has Reform managed to translate the hype into votes? And what impact has that had on the Conservatives? So far, the campaign has been overshadowed by a racism row, as well as jibes at the Labour candidate Davy Russell for being a no-show at hustings events, as well as a planned debate on STV's Scotland Tonight. These events are a staple of election campaigns like this, a chance to get your message across and connect with voters you might otherwise not be able to reach. He did agree to sit down for an interview with me at a climbing centre in Hamilton. He insisted he isn't running scared, claiming voters appreciate the personal touch on the doorstep instead. He has made the conscious decision to make that the focus of his campaign, shunning the bigger platforms. It's a gamble. He started the campaign as the bookie's favourite, but has since slipped behind the SNP. We'll see if it ultimately pays off after June 5. Candidate name Party Collette Bradley Scottish Socialist Party Andy Brady Scottish Family Party Ross Alexander Lambie Reform UK Katy Loudon Scottish National Party (SNP) Janice Elizabeth Mackay UK Independence Party (UKIP) Ann McGuinness Scottish Green Party Aisha Jawaid Mir Scottish Liberal Democrats Richard Nelson Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Davy Russell Scottish Labour Party Marc Wilkinson Independent Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The National
6 days ago
- Politics
- The National
I went on the SNP campaign trail in Hamilton. This is what I found out
And what I would say from the off is that predicting the result of this by-election is a bit like trying to predict what the weather is going to do in the next hour right now. The political environment is more turbulent than it has ever seemed in my lifetime. I was able to have a bit of a nosey as First Minister John Swinney joined with SNP candidate Katy Loudon for a door-knocking session but, I'll not lie, the rain made the task somewhat challenging. Not many people were answering their doors, but it told me that the SNP are stopping at nothing to try and make sure people back them at the polls on June 5. Why? Well one conversation I heard the FM having with a constituent commendably tending to her plants in dreich conditions detailed the depressing backdrop all politicians are up against, which is largely of their own doing I should add. READ MORE: Reform by-election candidate denies Anas Sarwar ad is racist She said she had struggled to keep up with who was Prime Minister, never mind whether there was a by-election that required yet another trip to the ballot box. Three General Elections in less than a decade alongside a Holyrood one and council elections, you can hardly blame her. Asked who she might lend her vote to, she said she had 'lost track of it all'. It shows that even just getting people to engage with politics is a battle now, never mind encouraging them to give you their vote over another party. The woman later chased them for a selfie, so perhaps they had an impact. The pair seemed to engage in lengthy conversations with people, with one resident telling them that Labour 'were a joke' and offering her support to the SNP. Labour don't seem to be helping themselves, having picked a candidate who doesn't seem to want to appear in debates or answer questions. It likely would've been their seat to lose really eight months ago, but their hopes of adding to their Holyrood tally now would appear to be fading. (Image: Colin Mearns) That said, I found myself on several occasions almost clutching at straws, wanting some sort of answer to what might happen, but arriving back at home not really any the wiser. However, John Swinney told me things were a lot better on the doors than they were last year for the SNP. What the public had to say Speaking to people in Regent Shopping Centre earlier in the day, I picked up a very mixed picture, but what was telling is that people who were lending their vote to the SNP or Labour were fairly core voters who are never really going to go any other way. One woman said she had always voted Labour, as had her family, and that's just the way it will always be. A fair few people told me they're voting SNP because they want independence. Simple as. But another man said he wanted to give Labour more of a chance, despite some slip-ups over the Winter Fuel Payment, for example. Then in between there was a man who was sick of politicians and had voted for Reform in a postal vote, while a smattering of others said they wouldn't be voting because they didn't know who to vote for. Either they felt no one spoke for them or they hadn't really received enough information or spotted enough activism to be able to vote faithfully. If anyone has a Magic 8 ball to make sense of all of that and give us a prediction, do get in touch. What we can say is that this is anyone's game and the SNP know it. John Swinney admitted it was going to be a tight contest to journalists, and Loudon told me after the campaigning session she had been picking up support for the SNP, Labour and Reform over the last few weeks. What I suppose it all suggests is if you've always been devoted to one party, you're throwing your arms up in the air and running back home. If you haven't, you're either staying away, not risking ties with anyone, or you're taking a punt on someone new. Reform will no doubt be grabbing the popcorn, because no matter where they finish this is likely to go well for them. But for the SNP and Labour, a nail-biter is certainly on the cards.
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Explainer: Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election
Ms McKelvie, who took medical leave last August to undergo treatment for secondary breast cancer, died at the end of March at the age of 57. Her passing prompted powerful tributes from across the political divide, with fellow MSPs praising her dedication and compassion. She had held the seat since 2011, when she defeated former Scottish Labour minister Tom McCabe. Before that, she served as a regional MSP for Central Scotland from 2007 to 2011. At the 2021 Holyrood election, she beat Labour's Monica Lennon by 16,761 votes to 12,179. The late SNP MSP Christina McKelvie. (Image: PA) Who is standing — and who is expected to win? At the outset of the by-election campaign, most observers expected a straight fight between the SNP and Labour. The SNP is standing Katy Loudon, a South Lanarkshire councillor, and she has been joined on the campaign trail by party leader and First Minister John Swinney. Labour, meanwhile, is hoping to rebuild its base in the Central Belt. Its candidate is Davy Russell, a former senior official at Glasgow City Council who lives locally. Nigel Farage's Reform UK has has been campaigning hard in the area, buoyed by its performance in recent English local elections and a Westminster by-election win in Runcorn and Helsby earlier this month. Deputy leader Richard Tice has visited the constituency and claimed the contest is now between Reform's Ross Lambie and the SNP. Mr Farage himself is expected to campaign in Hamilton before polling day — his first visit to Scotland since 2019. The party has previously struggled for a foothold north of the Border. But Reform hopes to attract disaffected voters across party lines — and if successful, could win its first seat in Holyrood. Other candidates standing in the by-election include Richard Nelson for the Conservatives, Ann McGuinness for the Greens, Aisha Mir for the Liberal Democrats, Ross Lambie for Reform UK, Collette Bradley for the Scottish Socialist Party, Andy Brady for the Scottish Family Party, Janice Mackay for UKIP, and independent candidate Mark Wilkinson. SNP leader John Swinney campaigning with candidate Katy Loudon in Hamilton on Monday (Image: Colin Mearns) Why does this seat matter? Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse has been an SNP stronghold for over a decade, but the area has a more varied electoral past. The by-election is being seen as a bellwether for the SNP's popularity under new leadership, Labour's appeal to traditional heartlands, and the potential disruption posed by Reform UK. A strong performance for any of the parties could shape perceptions ahead of the next general election and beyond — and may provide an early glimpse of shifting political dynamics across Scotland. What do the polls say? Pollster Mark Diffley said the SNP would go into the Hamilton by-election as favourites, but, speaking to the BBC, he noted the contest takes place against a backdrop of shifting voter loyalties. 'The SNP will be most confident going into the by-election,' he said, though the party's support had dipped from 48% at the last Holyrood election to around 35% now. Labour, he added, had seen 'a significant drop' in support since becoming the UK government, while Reform UK — polling around 15% in Scotland — had emerged as a serious factor. 'The real story, probably both next week in Hamilton and for next year, is the rise of Reform UK.' Mr Diffley said dissatisfaction with UK Labour policies — particularly on welfare — was fuelling a 'scunner factor' among voters. 'There is a lot of discontent with what's been happening in the last nine or ten months,' he said. Reversals on policies such as the two-child benefit cap might help Labour, but may also appear 'too late' or 'too opportunistic'. Reform, he said, had gained traction not just in traditional Brexit-supporting areas, but across the Central Belt, with growing concern over immigration beginning to echo trends seen in England. 'We are seeing a kind of diluted version of what's happening down south,' he added, warning that Reform could perform 'above expectations' in the by-election. Scottish Labour's David russ (Image: supplied) Why is Reform's rise being compared to 1967? Some commentators have already begun comparing this contest to the 1967 Hamilton by-election — one of the most dramatic in Scottish political history. On 2 November that year, Winnie Ewing, mother of current SNP MSPs Fergus and Annabelle Ewing, won a surprise victory for the SNP in what had been a safe Westminster seat for Labour. The SNP had not even stood a candidate in the constituency at the 1966 general election, so poor were its prospects. But the 1967 win made Ms Ewing only the second SNP MP ever elected, following Dr Robert McIntyre in 1945. 'I certainly was an expert at being in a minority, for there was only me,' she later reflected. Her victory speech famously included the line: 'Stop the world — Scotland wants to get on.' Her win gave the SNP a voice in Westminster and helped transform it from a fringe movement into a serious political force. Reform UK is now hoping for a similarly game-changing result — though it remains to be seen whether this by-election will enter the history books in the same way. Reform deputy leader Richard Tice being interviewed by The Herald's Kathleen Nutt (Image: Gordon terris/Herald&Times) What do voters need to know? Polling stations across Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse will be open from 7am to 10pm on Wednesday 5 June. Eligible voters must be aged 16 or over and registered by midnight on Monday 19 May 2025. Voting takes place using the first-past-the-post system. Voters mark a cross (X) on the ballot paper next to their preferred candidate. The person with the most votes becomes MSP for the constituency. Ballots will be verified and manually counted from 10pm at South Lanarkshire Council headquarters in Hamilton. A result is expected in the early hours of Thursday 6 June. Further reading from The Herald Hamilton by-election preview: candidates set out their stalls Profiles and strategies from the Hamilton by-election front-runners, plus insight on the seat's political history and campaign dynamics. Reform support in Hamilton should worry other parties On the streets of Hamilton: voters voice frustration — and many say they are turning to Reform UK. SNP will be the winner as Reform outflanks Labour from the left Neil Mackay on Labour's identity crisis — and how Farage is stealing its clothes while the SNP reaps the rewards. Reform can 'win Hamilton by-election and take power' in Holyrood Richard Tice tells The Herald why Reform UK believes it can win in Hamilton — and reshape Scottish politics from Holyrood to Westminster.
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election: who are the candidates?
Katy Loudon: SNP No stranger to a by-election, former primary school teacher Katy Loudon is the SNP's candidate for this area. A South Lanarkshire councillor for almost eight years now though, Ms Loudon was the SNP's candidate in the Rutherglen and Hamilton-West Westminster by-election in October 2023. Katy Loudon, SNP candidate for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse (Image: staff) In this by-election, she lost to Scottish Labour's Michael Shanks who received more than double her votes and she lost again to the Labour MP at the general election last July. However, with Labour facing mounting criticism in Scotland for the decisions made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer since he came into office, Ms Loudon will be hoping this will be third time lucky. Although she stays in Rutherglen, Ms Loudon has told The Herald her husband and family are from this area which she said she cares 'deeply' about. Davy Russell: Scottish Labour Scottish Labour has put forward Davy Russell for this by-election. Born in Quarter, South Lanarkshire, where he has lived all his life, Mr Russell is a resident of the area he would be representing if he wins. Mr Russell was formerly a senior official at Glasgow city council, he has helped run a local hospice and is also a deputy lord lieutenant for South Lanarkshire. Davy Russell, Scottish Labour candidate for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. Mr Russell previously worked as a consultant to a subsidiary of Mears Group, a company previously embroiled in a data falsification scandal. He has faced criticism from his fellow candidates who have branded him 'the invisible man' after he confirmed he would not appear on a STV by-election debate. Mr Russell has since hit back, saying he is focusing on chapping doors in the area. Ross Lambie: Reform UK A South Lanarkshire Councillor, Ross Lambie defected from the Conservatives to Reform UK in March this year. Born in a small mining village in South Lanarkshire, Mr Lambie's parents are both from Larkhall. A chartered architect, Mr Lambie has his own practice and has been a lecturer in architecture and architectural technology. Mr Lambie is also a farmer and owns several cows. Ross Lambie, Reform UK candidate for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse (Image: staff) Richard Nelson: Scottish Conservatives A South Lanarkshire councillor, Richard Nelson will be representing the Scottish Conservatives in this by-election. He sparked headlines today after he confirmed on the radio that he is a member of the Orange Lodge and the secretary of the Scottish Amalgamated Committee of the Apprentice Boys of Derry. Richard Nelson, Scottish Conservative candidate for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse (Image: supplied) He's also been a self-branded 'comedy hypnotist' who has worked for the NHS for over 20 years. There are still clips of him online pretending to convince a group of men they are kangaroos and calling them 'a***holes' and 'd***heids'. Ann McGuinness A board director of Scottish Rural Action, the Scottish Greens are putting up Ann McGuinness. Ms McGuinness is an environmental campaigner and sits as co-convener of the Scottish Green Party Women's Network. Ann McGuinness, Scottish Greens candidate for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse (Image: supplied) The Scottish Green candidate home-educates her children and has turned her garden into a bio-diverse mini-holding, where she grows fruit and veg, and where she takes care of 8 rescue hens and a cockerel. She is also a part-time OU student, studying social psychology. Aisha Mir: Scottish Liberal Democrats The Scottish Liberal Democrats are putting forward Aisha Mir, the party's spokesperson for human rights and older people. Ms Mir has run as a candidate for the party in various elections. Most recently, as the candidate for East Kilbride and Strathaven in the UK Parliamentary general election last July where she was placed 6th out of 8 running. Aisha Mir, Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse (Image: supplied) Ms Mir has been a Children's Panel member and was an unpaid carer for her mother and father through a number of serious illnesses for many years. She told The Herald her connection to the local area is studying at University of West of Scotland; something she is deeply proud of as she is the first to attend University in her family. She has had a career in finance and banking and now runs her own business.
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Moment John Swinney heckled by Reform UK campaigner as FM dodges warring activists ahead of Hamilton by-election
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOHN Swinney today breezed past two sets of warring activists hurling abuse at each other ahead of a hotly contested by-election. The First Minister was met with heckles of 'Swinney the swine' by Reform UK campaigners who were locked in a bitter stand-off, on Hamilton's Quarry Street, with rivals from the Scottish Socialist Party. 3 John Swinney was campaigning in Hamilton with SNP candidate Katy Loudon Credit: Wattie Cheung 3 Reform UK activists shouted abuse at the First Minister in Hamilton, Lanarkshire Credit: Staff An anti-immigration canvasser, puffing on a cigarette, was heard telling voters: 'Take a leaflet and put it in your sky rocket.' He displayed homemade signs reading 'Just stop immigration' and 'Stop the boats'. Across the street, three left-wingers set up shop with posters urging for a workers' wage and 'reject corruption'. However, Mr Swinney - accompanied by two protection officers - ignored the screaming match and stopped outside a nearby Greggs. He quizzed SNP candidate Katy Loudon on her least favourite pastry from the high street bakery to which she replied: 'The Festive Bake.' It comes ahead of a by-election on Thursday 5 June, following the sad death, aged 57, of former Nats MP Christina McKelvie. Meanwhile Labour chiefs fear Reform's surge will hand the SNP victory in the Hamilton by-election. Insiders in Anas Sarwar's camp admitted they now face a struggle in what looked an easily winnable seat. The mood has shifted as angry voters ditch Labour after last July's landslide Westminster victory over Sir Keir Starmer's policies like slashing winter fuel payments. Sources now worry Nigel Farage's Reform are set to split the anti-SNP vote in the June 5 contest and next year's Holyrood election. Russell Findlay quickfire Q&A UK Election fallout & buying Liam Gallagher's mum a drink One Labour insider said: 'To win we'll need to convince every single anti-Nat voter to back us, and for them all to turn out. I just don't think that is going to happen.' Polls show Reform on course to become Holyrood's second party after big gains in council elections down south. It has scuppered Scottish Labour chiefs' bid to bill themselves as 'the best way to stop the SNP' — as Reform also eat into the Tory base. Another Labour source said: 'If we can't win Hamilton, the writing is on the wall for 2026. There is a lot of pessimism at the top of Scottish Labour.'
