SCOTTISH Labour’s candidate for a key upcoming by-election has been accused of being unable to “string a handful of words together”.
Davy Russell, who will contest the upcoming Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, appeared in clips with party bigwigs including Ian Murray and Anas Sarwar.
A video posted by Murray shows the Scottish Secretary speaking fluently before Russell begins to speak.
Russell begins by saying “yes” before the clip jumps sightly before he begins the second word of his sentence.
He then says “the UK” before a second edit shifts the frame slightly before he continues: “Labour government.”
Another edit follows before Russell continues: “Has given.”
Great to be at Carrigans in Hamilton yesterday with @DavyRussell4HLS to talk to them about business and the work they do in the local community. They were very frustrated that their business didn’t get the rates relief from the Scottish Govt that was afforded to hospitality… pic.twitter.com/WGSo1mIBJy
— Ian Murray MP (@IanMurrayMP) May 16, 2025
The clip is edited again before Russell goes on: “Rates relief to the hospitality industry.”
There is another edit before the candidate says: “In England and Wales however the same hasn’t happened in Scotland. The SNP have basically ignored the pleas of people in the hospitality industry, leaving them to their own devices, which isn’t good enough.”
Another clip of him with the Scottish Labour leader, posted by Sarwar, shows Russell’s portion of the video heavily edited as he attempts to list the names of bowling clubs competing in a tournament in which he was taking part.
The clips have been widely shared on social media and have led to accusations that Russell’s selection is “insulting” to the electorate.
David Birkett, convenor of the SNP Peterhead branch, said: “It seems the [Scottish Labour] branch office candidate won't be attending the TV debate. Watching the video clip you'll see why, it's a bit ‘glitchy’ isn't it?
Another big competition for @DavyRussell4HLS today at Raploch Bowling Club in Larkhall. We’re rooting for him today and on the 5th June! pic.twitter.com/oPqWiqIgT9
— Anas Sarwar (@AnasSarwar) May 17, 2025
“How insulting to the electorate that they propose a candidate to debate in parliament for them who can't actually debate.”
SNP councillor Michael Hutchison added: “This is the second video I've seen of Davy Russell which has had its audio obviously edited. Now he's refusing to take part in any hustings!
“Have Labour picked a candidate that can't string a handful of words together?”
Russell has refused to rise to the SNP's challenge of a TV debate before the by-election on June 5.
Scottish Labour were approached for comment.
