In a significant event for the political landscape of Scotland, voters in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse have gathered to exercise their democratic rights during a by-election aimed at selecting a new Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). This by-election was necessitated by the untimely passing of Christina McKelvie, a prominent figure in the Scottish National Party (SNP), who had served as the constituency’s MSP since its creation in 2011.
Christina McKelvie held various influential government positions during her tenure, most recently as Scotland’s Minister for Drugs and Alcohol. Sadly, she died at the age of 57 in March 2025, having been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. The current by-election represents a crucial opportunity for political parties to not only fill the vacancy but also to build momentum ahead of the scheduled Scottish Parliament elections in May 2026.
The polls in Hamilton opened at 07:00 and are set to close at 22:00, with results anticipated in the early hours of Friday morning. This by-election is notably distinct, as it marks the first in the Scottish Parliament’s framework since 2019. As candidates from various parties undertake their campaigning efforts, they aim to sway voters and secure a win in this competitive landscape.
There are ten candidates vying for the MSP position in this election, representing a diverse range of political ideologies and party affiliations. The candidates include:
– **Collette Bradley** from the Scottish Socialist Party
– **Andy Brady** from the Scottish Family Party
– **Ross Lambie** from Reform UK
– **Katy Loudon** representing the SNP
– **Janice Mackay** from the UK Independence Party
– **Ann McGuinness** representing the Scottish Green Party
– **Aisha Mir** from the Scottish Liberal Democrats
– **Richard Nelson** from the Scottish Conservatives
– **Davy Russell** representing the Scottish Labour Party
– **Marc Wilkinson** as an Independent candidate
Each candidate brings forward unique perspectives to the electoral discourse, in what appears to be a pivotal moment for the constituents of Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse. During McKelvie’s tenure, the area experienced shifts in policy and governance, and the residents are hopeful for a candidate who will continue this legacy of attentiveness and effective representation.
The voting process for this by-election is conducted through a first-past-the-post system, where the candidate receiving the highest number of votes will be declared the winner. Voter identification is not required for those wishing to cast their ballots, which potentially encourages greater participation. Additionally, the local council, South Lanarkshire, has offered guidance for voters, especially for those who opted for postal voting, advising that ballots arriving late can be submitted in person at polling stations.
As voting continues, it is crucial to note that media outlets, including the BBC, are prohibited from reporting on ongoing campaigning or electoral matters during polling hours. Upon the closure of the polls, BBC Scotland News and its channels will provide live coverage of the election results and expert analysis to interpret the outcomes.
This by-election holds significant implications for the constituents. The newly elected MSP will only serve for a brief period, as the Scottish Parliament elections loom on the horizon. Regardless of the outcome, this exercise in democracy is a testament to the engagement and responsibility of voters in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse. With the spotlight on their votes, the residents strive to shape their political future thoughtfully.