Labour beats SNP in Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election in boost to Sir Keir Starmer

Labour has won the seat of Rutherglen and Hamilton West from the SNP, in a significant victory for Sir Keir Starmer who described it as a “seismic result”.

Michael Shanks was elected as the new MP for the constituency, defeating SNP candidate Katy Loudon by 17,845 votes to 8,399, taking a majority of 9,446.

The win will be a boost to Labour ahead of its party conference in Liverpool, but will increase pressure on SNP leader and Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf.

Sir Keir said: “People in Rutherglen and Hamilton West have sent a clear message – it is time for change. And it is clear they believe that this changed Labour Party can deliver it.

“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. I am grateful to everyone who has put their faith in us today – we will work every day to repay it.”

Leader of Scottish Labour Anas Sarwar wrote on X: “What a result! Congratulations to Labour’s newest MP-@MGShanks. He will be a great servant of his community. Scots are tired of two tired, failing and incompetent governments. Scottish Labour is now the party of change and tonight demonstrates Scotland will lead the way in delivering a Labour Government.”

Margaret Ferrier won the seat for the SNP in the 2019 general election, but had the party whip removed after she breached Covid rules the following year, travelling from London to Scotland by train after testing positive for the virus.

That behaviour resulted in her being suspended from the House of Commons, sparking the recall petition which led to the by-election.

The turnout in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election was 37.19%, down from 66.48% at the snap 2019 general election.