Nicola Sturgeon is gearing up to hit the campaign trail in the Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse by-election today. Her party is determined to retain the constituency formerly held by the late Christina McKelvie. The SNP has announced that Sturgeon, along with candidate Katy Loudon, will be engaging with young people and families to showcase the positive impact of SNP policies on transforming lives and creating opportunities for Scotland’s next generation.
However, Labour has a different perspective on the matter. They believe that this campaign trail should mark the beginning of a “national apology tour” for the ex-party chief. The upcoming by-election will also see Reform UK’s Richard Tice and Holyrood hopeful Ross Lambie campaigning in the constituency. With ten candidates in the running for the June 5 contest, the SNP and Labour are expected to be the main contenders for the seat left vacant by McKelvie’s passing.
The by-election was triggered by the unfortunate death of Ms. McKelvie, who had been the seat’s representative since its creation in 2011. Winning the seat in 2021 with 46% of the vote and a majority of 4,582, McKelvie passed away in April following a battle with secondary breast cancer. Despite polling indicating that the seat should have been an easy win for Labour, the party is concerned about Reform’s increasing support potentially impacting their chances and giving the SNP a path to victory. Last week, Nigel Farage’s party secured second place in a council by-election in West Dunbartonshire, further solidifying their position as the main opposition to the SNP.
As Nicola Sturgeon prepares to embark on the campaign trail, she emphasizes the stark differences between the SNP’s approach in Scotland and Labour’s actions in Westminster. Sturgeon highlights the SNP’s commitment to ending the two-child limit in Scotland, lifting thousands of children out of poverty, while criticizing Keir Starmer’s refusal to do the same at the national level. In response, Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie accuses Sturgeon of initiating a “national apology tour” due to her alleged failures in various areas, including healthcare and housing. Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton also criticizes Sturgeon, accusing her of trying to boost her own record during the by-election campaign.
In the midst of political tensions and contrasting views, the by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse continues to be a focal point of contention between the major political parties in Scotland. The outcome of the election on June 5 will undoubtedly shape the future political landscape in the region.
