Overview

• The Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse seat vacated by SNP minister Christina McKelvie pits Reform UK’s Ross Lambie against SNP candidate Katy Loudon and Labour’s Davy Russell.
• Deputy leader Richard Tice described the contest as an “absolute cat fight,” highlighting nationwide volunteer support and framing a victory as Reform’s first Scottish Parliament breakthrough.
• Nigel Farage has led campaign events in Aberdeen and Hamilton to advocate revoking net-zero commitments and boosting North Sea oil and gas extraction.
• First Minister John Swinney warned voters not to “import divisive politics,” blaming Brexit for economic strains and urging rejection of Reform’s platform.
• Reform UK’s attack ads targeting Labour leader Anas Sarwar have drawn accusations of racism and unified both SNP and Labour in public condemnation.