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Labour has won the Rutherglen and West Hamilton by-election with a big victory over the SNP.
In the end, the party’s candidate Michael Shanks won 17,845 votes, out of a total of 30,531 cast and the margin of a 20 per cent victory was twice what pundits had predicted.
Out of an electorate of 82,104, some 37.19 per cent turned out to cast a vote, despite earlier fears that issues with voter ID and poor weather conditions impacting turnout.
The Rutherglen and West Hamilton contest was triggered by the ousting of former SNP Margaret Ferrier, who was found to have broken Covid rules when she travelled between Glasgow and London after testing positive for the virus during lockdown in 2020.
Ms Ferrier was ejected from the seat following Scotland’s first-ever recall petition – a mechanism that allows voters to remove an MP by signing a petition.
With his party commanding a large lead in national polling, Labour’s candidate Michael Shanks is expected to come out on top against the SNP’s Katy London and the Conservative Party hopeful Thomas Kerr.
The SNP was always likely to be heavily punished for the sins of Ms Ferrier, whose breach of Covid rules was a source of anger and frustration among locals who were unable to see or visit their loved ones during lockdown.
Key Points
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Labour celebrate by-election victory
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar with candidate Michael Shanks arrive at the count for the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election, at South Lanarkshire Council Headquarters in Hamilton.
(PA)
Graeme Massie6 October 2023 02:12
Scottish Labour leader welcomes victory
“This seismic result shows Scottish politics has changed. 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,” tweeted Anas Sarwar.
What a result! Congratulations to Labour’s newest MP- @MGShanks. He will be a great servant of his community.
To everyone who helped make this happen- the Labour family & the families of Rutherglen & Hamilton W- thank you! We will deliver the change our country so deeply needs. pic.twitter.com/eYmFmT7wyf
— Anas Sarwar (@AnasSarwar) October 6, 2023
Graeme Massie6 October 2023 02:07
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Graeme Massie6 October 2023 02:00
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Matt Mathers6 October 2023 02:00
Labour wins Rutherglen & Hamilton West by-election
Labour has won the Rutherglen & Hamilton West by-election. More to follow.
Graeme Massie6 October 2023 01:49
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Matt Mathers6 October 2023 01:30
Rutherglen & Hamilton West by-election: Key statistics
When voters went to the polls in Rutherglen & Hamilton West on Thursday, it was only the second time that the SNP has had to defend a seat at a Westminster by-election.
The first occasion was in May 2021, when the party successfully held the seat of Airdrie & Shotts – albeit with a reduced majority.
Here are some more key facts and figures from the constituency.
Matt Mathers6 October 2023 00:30
Turnout confirmed to be 37.19%
The turnout figures for the by-election have been confirmed by officials in Scotland, with an overall turnout of 37.19 per cent. A total of 30,531 votes were cast from an electorate of 82,104.
Graeme Massie6 October 2023 00:17
ICYMI: SNP win in Rutherglen by-election would ‘force’ Westminster to listen – Yousaf
An SNP win in the key by-election would “force the Westminster establishment to listen” and take notice of Scotland, the country’s first minister has said.
Speaking ahead of a final weekend of campaigning in Rutherglen and Hamilton West, Humza Yousaf also said that he believes Labour is taking people in the constituency for granted by believing they will vote for leader Sir Keir Starmer’s “pathetic offering of the Tory status quo.”
Matt Mathers5 October 2023 23:30
‘Seismic’ by-election victory could launch Labour to Number 10, says Sarwar
The leader of Scottish Labour has said a win in Thursday’s “seismic” Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election could springboard his party to victory in the next general election.
Mr Sarwar pointed to the election of SNP stalwart Winnie Ewing in Hamilton in a 1967 poll, as well as the Glasgow East by-election the party won in 2008.
“I believe this has the potential to be a seismic by-election and then as a launchpad as we head towards that next general election,” he added.
Matt Mathers5 October 2023 22:30