Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election LIVE – Labour storm to victory as Keir Starmer hails ‘seismic’ victory

Michael Shanks is now the second Second Labour MP in Westminster

The former teacher will now swap the classroom for the Commons.

He won with 17,845 votes or 58.4 per cent of the vote share.

Katy Loudon of the SNP scored 8399 votes while Thomas Kerr of the Conservatives won 1192.

Michael Shanks took to the stage as the new MP
Michael Shanks took to the stage as the new MPCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing
He shook Katy Loudon's hand after beating her by over 9,000 votes
He shook Katy Loudon’s hand after beating her by over 9,000 votesCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing
Michael Shanks said it was "the honour of my life" to be elected
Michael Shanks said it was “the honour of my life” to be electedCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing

Sir Keri Starmer says Labour will deliver

Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour party, has said they are ready to deliver after tonight’s win.

Mr Starmer said: “This is a seismic result.

“People in Rutherglen and Hamilton West have sent a clear message – it is time for change.

“And it is clear they believe that this changed Labour Party can deliver it.

“I have always said that winning back the trust of people in Scotland is essential.

“Tonight’s victory is the culmination of three and a half years of hard work in years of hard work and humility on that journey.

“I am grateful to everyone who has put their faith in us today – we will work every day to repay it.

“Voters across Scotland and across Britain want a government determined to deliver for working people, with a proper plan to rebuild our country.

“They want to move on from two SNP and Tory governments that offer only more division, more chaos and more infighting.

“The country deserves a government firmly on their side and focused on their priorities – and Labour will deliver that for them.”

There are now two Scottish MPs joining Sir Keir down in Westminster
There are now two Scottish MPs joining Sir Keir down in WestminsterCredit: Getty

Humza Yousaf reacts

The First Minister has reacted after the SNP lost the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election.

Humza Yousaf tweeted: “A disappointing night for the SNP.

“I want to thank our exceptional candidate @KatyLoudonSNP and our activists for their incredible efforts.

“Let me also congratulate Michael Shanks on being elected.

“Circumstances of this by-election were always very difficult for us.

“Collapse in the Tory vote, which went straight to Labour, also a significant factor.

“We lost this seat in 2017, and like 2019 we can win this seat back.

“However, we will reflect on what we have to do to regain the trust of the people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West.”

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