Summary
The upcoming by-election in the Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse constituency will decide who fills the position of Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) left vacant by SNP's Christina McKelvie's passing. This vote is significant as it will show how public opinion in Scotland is changing, especially after recent electoral shifts in the UK and the emergence of Reform UK.
Key Facts
- Voters in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse are electing a new MSP after SNP's Christina McKelvie passed away.
- This by-election is the largest test of public opinion in Scotland since the recent UK general election.
- Labour defeated the SNP in the last UK general election, adding pressure for this Scottish vote.
- Reform UK hopes to gain a "tartan bounce," to mirror its success in England.
- Historically, this area has been significant for political breakthroughs, such as for the SNP in 1967.
- The SNP and Reform UK are prominent in campaign advertising, but Labour is also a key contender.
- National opinion polls show the SNP generally leading Labour, despite several controversies within the SNP.
- The election’s outcome could influence Scottish political dynamics ahead of the national election next May.
