Voters in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency are being asked to select a new MSP after the area's previous representative, Christina McKelvie, sadly passed away.
The race has become a heated contest between the SNP, Scottish Labour and the Reform Party.
The seat has been held by the SNP since its establishment in 2011, with the party previously winning it with over 46% of the vote during the 2021 Scottish Parliament election.
When will the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election take place?
According to the South Lanarkshire Council website, polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm.
How do I find my polling station for the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election?
Those looking to find their polling station for the by-election can do so on the Electoral Commission website.
All voters need to do is type their full postcode into the search bar.
Do you need voter ID for the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election?
The Scottish Assessors' Association (SAA) states that those voting in Scotland are not required to show a photo ID for any Scottish Parliament or Scottish council elections.
However, voters would need an ID for UK Parliamentary Elections, UK Parliamentary by-elections and recall petitions.
Recommended Reading:
- The Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency, explained
- 'Needs to be put to bed': Local experts dismiss Larkhall's 'staunch' reputation
- What are the big issues dominating the Hamilton by-election?
See all the candidates running for the 2025 Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election
These are all the candidates hoping to be the next Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency.
Collette Bradley – Scottish Socialist Party
The SSP candidate is a trade union activist who has campaigned on issues like improved pay, equality and job security. She has also pledged to take only an average worker's wage if elected.
Andy Brady – Scottish Family Party
Andy Brady of the Scottish Family Party has previously claimed to "value" the families, businesses and the education of the area. This is a very socially conservative party, opposed to abortion as well as the use of NHS funds for fertility treatments other than a heterosexual couple in a long-term relationship.
Ross Alexander Lambie – Reform UK
Ross Alexander Lambie is a councillor for the Clydesdale South ward who recently defected from the Scottish Conservative Party.
Katy Loudon – Scottish National Party (SNP)
Katy Loudon unsuccessfully stood in the 2023 Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election and for Rutherglen during the 2024 General Election.
Janice Elizabeth MacKay – UK Independence Party (UKIP)
The UKIP candidate was previously a candidate for Rutherglen and Hamilton West at the 2015 and 2019 general elections.
Ann McGuinness – Scottish Green Party
Ann McGuinness is a member of the board of directors for Scottish Rural Action, an organisation aiming to create "vibrant and connected rural and island communities".
Aisha Jawaid Mir – Liberal Democrats
Businesswoman Aisha Jawaid Mir previously stood for a number of other seats and regions, including Milton Keynes North in 2019 and Mid Scotland and Fife in 2021.
Richard Nelson – Conservative and Unionist Party
Councillor, comedian and Orange Lodge member Richard Nelson currently represents the Larkhall ward in South Lanarkshire Council.
Davy Russell – Labour Party
The businessman beat out the likes of former MSP Alasdair Morrison and local government manager Suzanne Macleod to be selected as the Scottish Labour Party's candidate for the seat. He has been branded the "invisible man" for failing to speak to media or attend hustings.
Marc Wilkinson – Independent
Marc Wilkinson is a pizza shop owner who has previously stated his intention to create a "South of Scotland People Party" for the next Scottish Parliament election in 2026. He was well known for giving away free pizzas if people agreed to watch conspiracy videos.
The Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election will take place on Thursday, June 5, with polling stations opening between 7am and 10pm.
