Labour’s Landslide Win in Rutherglen and Hamilton West By-Election

In a dramatic by-election result, Labour has triumphed over the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency. The Labour candidate, Michael Shanks, secured the Westminster seat with a remarkable 17,845 votes, more than doubling the number received by the SNP’s Katy Loudon. This electoral battle showcased a substantial swing of 20.4% from the SNP to Labour.

The by-election came about due to the ousting of former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier, who faced the consequences of breaking Covid-19 regulations. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer hailed the victory as a “seismic” moment, emphasizing the importance of regaining the trust of the Scottish people.

Starmer stated, “I have always said that winning back the trust of people in Scotland is essential. Tonight’s victory is the culmination of three-and-a-half years of hard work and humility on that journey.” This by-election marks a crucial step in Labour’s effort to rebuild its presence in Scotland and play a significant role in achieving a UK-wide Labour government in the upcoming general election.

Katy Loudon, the SNP candidate, garnered 8,399 votes, constituting a 27.6% share of the turnout, which experienced a substantial decrease of 16.6% compared to the 2019 general election. This by-election presented the first significant test for the SNP since Humza Yousaf assumed leadership from Nicola Sturgeon. While Sturgeon expressed her disappointment with the results, Yousaf acknowledged the challenges the SNP faced in this election and called for reflection on regaining the trust of the Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituents.

Stephen Flynn, the SNP leader at Westminster, noted the need for a swift response to this loss, focusing on reconnecting with voters who did not turn out to support the SNP. The winner, Michael Shanks, saw his victory as “the honor of my life” and framed his campaign as offering a fresh start that transcended the divisiveness associated with the SNP and Conservative governments.

Remarkably, the voter turnout in this by-election was 37.19%, marking a significant drop from the 66.5% recorded during the last general election. Labour’s performance showed a remarkable increase of 24.1% compared to the 2019 general election, while the Conservative candidate, Thomas Kerr, experienced an 11% decline in support. Kerr, who lost his electoral deposit, attributed his result to tactical voting, stating that he was “squeezed” out of the race.

Scottish Conservative MSP Miles Briggs echoed this view, highlighting the strategic voting that occurred in this SNP-Labour contest. He suggested that the next general election would witness voters choosing the candidate best positioned to unseat SNP MPs, potentially leading to an SNP wipe-out.

Sir John Curtice, a professor of politics at Strathclyde University, described this by-election as a “remarkably good result” for Labour. The party’s vote share reached nearly 59%, which marks a 24-point increase. The Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency has a history of changing hands between the SNP and Labour in recent general elections.

This by-election victory exceeds Labour’s expectations, doubling their Scottish Labour MPs at Westminster and reshaping the political narrative in Scotland. The SNP has long monopolized political momentum, but this victory has shifted that balance, adding to the challenges facing SNP leader Humza Yousaf, who succeeded Nicola Sturgeon. The SNP faces significant pressure to retain its position in the face of fierce competition, despite maintaining its lead in national opinion polls.

In conclusion, Labour’s resounding win in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election has brought about a seismic shift in Scottish politics and raised questions about the future political landscape in Scotland and the UK.