Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has accused First Minister John Swinney of employing misleading tactics during the recent Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse by-election campaign. Sarwar’s criticism follows Labour’s unexpected victory, where their candidate, Davy Russell, secured 31.6% of the vote, narrowly defeating the SNP’s Katy Loudon, who received 29.4%.
Sarwar contends that Swinney misrepresented the electoral contest by framing it as a two-horse race between the SNP and Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. He argues that this narrative was an attempt to divert attention from the SNP’s internal challenges and policy shortcomings. Sarwar likened Swinney’s approach to the Conservative Party’s 2016 Brexit campaign, accusing him of “spreading misinformation and lies” to manipulate public perception.
The by-election results indicate a significant shift in voter sentiment. While Labour’s performance marked a resurgence, Reform UK also made notable gains, capturing 26.1% of the vote. This surge suggests a growing appetite among voters for alternatives to the traditional political parties, potentially reshaping the Scottish political landscape.
In response to the outcome, Sarwar has called on UK Labour leader Keir Starmer to intensify efforts to address issues pertinent to Scottish voters. He emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to regain public trust and challenge the SNP’s prolonged governance.
The Hamilton by-election serves as a pivotal moment in Scottish politics, highlighting the electorate’s desire for change and the necessity for political leaders to engage with voters’ concerns authentically. As the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections approach, the strategies and narratives employed by party leaders will play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of Scotland’s governance.
