Hamilton by-election ‘opportunity to give Labour wake-up call’, says Swinney

The Hamilton by-election at Holyrood can be a “wake-up call” for Labour, John Swinney has said.

The First Minister will kick off his party’s campaign in the seat ahead of the June 5 poll on Saturday.

The contest was called in the wake of the death of Christina McKelvie – Scottish Government minister and MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse – in March.

We've learnt that Labour promises are worthless. People are rightly angry, and this by-election is an opportunity for voters to give Labour a wake-up call

South Lanarkshire councillor Katy Loudon – who has twice lost a nearby Westminster seat – will contest the by-election for the SNP while Deputy Lord Lieutenant Davy Russell will campaign for Scottish Labour.

Speaking ahead of his visit, the First Minister said the party under his leadership “will always put the priorities of Scotland first”.

“Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of the Labour Party in Scotland who have chosen to spend their first year in office scrapping winter heating support for pensioners, cutting essential support for people who are unable to work, pushing thousands more into poverty and failing to take any action on rising household energy bills,” he said.

“We’ve learnt that Labour promises are worthless.

“People are rightly angry, and this by-election is an opportunity for voters to give Labour a wake-up call.”

In last year’s general election, Labour took the Hamilton and Clyde Valley seat from the SNP, with Imogen Walker winning the contest with a near-9,500 vote majority.

But Labour’s fortunes in the polls have since reversed, following a series of unpopular decisions by the UK Government.

The by-election is the first major test for Labour in Scotland since the election.

Voters can trust that Katy will follow in Christina's footsteps as a local champion should she be elected

Mr Swinney also praised Ms Loudon’s abilities ahead of the visit.

“Of course, the by-election has been called following the incredibly sad passing of our friend Christina McKelvie,” he said.

“Christina was a phenomenal local MSP who always put her constituents first and stood up for the people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.

“Today I will join Katy Loudon who is our outstanding SNP candidate in this by-election.

“Voters can trust that Katy will follow in Christina’s footsteps as a local champion should she be elected.”