Scotland’s political leaders will hit the campaign trail for the final time today ahead of a Holyrood by-election.
With voters in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse going to the polls on Thursday June 5, parties are making their final push for votes – with both First Minister John Swinney and the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar expected in the constituency on Wednesday.
🗳️ Less than 2 days before polls open in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse!
— Sarah Masson (@_sarahmasson) June 3, 2025
Fab to speak to so many folk who are excited to vote for @KatyLoudonSNP this Thursday 💛 #ActiveSNP #TeamSNP #VoteSNP pic.twitter.com/6I1Fo27JWY
It comes in the wake of a campaign which has been, for the most part, dominated by the rise in support for Reform UK – and a row over one of the party’s online adverts.
The ad alleged that Mr Sarwar would “prioritise” the Pakistani community – but it was quickly branded racist by Labour, who together with rivals in the SNP demanded it should be taken down.
Great to have @Nigel_Farage in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse today.
— Reform UK Scotland (@ReformUKScot) June 2, 2025
Vote Reform. Get Reform. ✅ pic.twitter.com/tmPsXA8SJ5
SNP leader and Scottish First Minister John Swinney meanwhile urged voters in the constituency to back his party in a bid to “stop Nigel Farage”.
His plea comes after an opinion poll in Scotland last month indicated Reform could come second in next year’s Holyrood elections, ahead of both Labour and the Tories.
On the doorstep, it is clear the SNP is completely failing communities in Scotland.
— Elaine Stewart MP (@ElaineStewartMP) June 3, 2025
Only Scottish Labour can beat the SNP in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.
🗳️Vote @DavyRussell4HLS on Thursday! pic.twitter.com/Py1iUms02m
Speaking ahead of the by-election, which is taking place after the death of Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie, Mr Swinney said that the campaign “has made it crystal clear that the SNP is the only party listening to people and taking action on what matters to them”.
The First Minister claimed: “The Labour Party has lost its way and Keir Starmer’s abject failure to deliver on his promises has led to the concerning rise of Nigel Farage across the UK – something that will worry many across Scotland.
“Farage does not care about Scotland, and he also poses a threat to many of the things that we hold dear – our NHS, our parliament, and transformative policies like free tuition.”
Just two days to go until the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election on Thursday 5th June 🗳️ It was great to be out yesterday in Larkhall to support @ScotTories candidate Richard Nelson. pic.twitter.com/oxGk8p3e61
— Alex Burnett MSP (@AJABurnett) June 3, 2025
Mr Swinney insisted: “This by-election is an opportunity to reject the politics of Farage and make sure Scotland’s interests are front and centre, and only a vote for the SNP will do that.”
However, Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie insisted: “The Reform circus is nothing but a convenient distraction for the SNP – this by-election is a direct fight between Scottish Labour and the SNP.”
She said that Thursday’s poll gives voters “the chance to put this incompetent SNP government on notice and chart a new direction for the whole of Scotland”.
Ms Baillie stated: “The SNP’s woeful record is plain to see here – chaos in local NHS services, high streets in decline, and a generation of young people let down.
A lot of people are frustrated that they have been let down by the SNP, Conservatives and Labour but it’s the Liberal Democrats who are offering real change, not Reform.
— Scottish Lib Dems (@scotlibdems) June 2, 2025
Last year’s general election shows that we are winning again. If you want change, come with us. pic.twitter.com/in2U8Szl99
“The SNP government has failed this community and Katy Loudon has made it clear she will toe the party line no matter what – but Davy Russell will be a tireless champion for the community he calls home.”
Meanwhile, Aisha Mir, the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate, made a plea to voters to back her.
She said: “For too many people, it feels like nothing works anymore.
“The SNP have failed Scotland for 18 years. The Conservatives are lurching to extremes. Labour are already letting people down. Reform have no real solutions.
“I’m in politics to get things done. I want to be a hard-working local champion who will put your priorities first.”
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