Labour Wins Scottish By-Election, Defeating SNP and Reform
Above: Davy Russell celebrates with Anas Sarwar and Jackie Ballie and Monica Lennon after winning the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election on June 6, 2025 at South Lanarkshire Council Headquarters in Hamilton, Scotland. Image copyright: Jeff J Mitchell/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Labour’s by-election victory in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse is a key a turning point for Scotland. Few expected Labour to come out on top, with many anticipating a two-way fight between Reform and the SNP. Yet voters clearly signaled they’re fed up with nationalist stagnation and far-right bluster. It’s a hopeful glimpse of a Scotland ready to embrace change and rebuild with Labour.
Right narrative
Despite Labour’s surprise win, the decline of the political status quo remains undeniable. Labour, the SNP, and Tories all lost vote share as Reform surged. Starmer may have been spared for now, but the numbers don’t lie: if the Right unites, Labour loses. For the good of Scotland and the U.K., Farage and Badenoch must strike a deal.
