Labour is celebrating an overwhelming win over the SNP in Scotland’s first recall by-election, with Sir Keir Starmer hailing it as a “seismic” result.
The win in Rutherglen and Hamilton West saw Labour gain a share of the vote higher than opinion polls suggested and could lead to the party winning 40 seats north of the border if it achieves the same 20 per cent swing in a general election.
It could see the party retake its position as the biggest party in Scotland and, according to polling expert Professor Sir John Curtice, could put the party on course for Downing Street if this is replicated in a general election.
Michael Shanks secured 17,845 votes, well ahead of the 8,399 votes returned for his SNP rival Katy Loudon. After securing more than 58 per cent of the votes cast, Mr Shanks now has a majority of 9,446.
Sir Keir 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.”
Sir John told the PA news agency: “This result very firmly confirms the direction of travel indicated by the polls and that Labour do pose a serious challenge to the SNP’s continued dominance at Westminster.
“That potentially has implications for the overall outcome in the general election because, if that were to happen, they would find it easier to get an overall majority.
“But also the kinds of increases that Labour have registered in their vote in this by-election, what they achieved in Selby, this is the kind of results that you see in advance of general elections when parties are on course to win.”
Sir John said the swing of around 20 per cent was a “remarkably good night” for Labour.
If this result were to be replicated around Scotland, Labour would “quite clearly” become the dominant party north of the border again, he said.
After the win, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said his party is “targeting significant gains” at the next general election.
He told BBC Breakfast: “I’m very clear that, actually, Scotland will lead the way in delivering a UK-wide Labour government.
“I think what you’ve seen happen in Scotland overnight is people move away and reject the politics of division, of chaos and incompetence, and instead express a desire for the fresh start, express a desire for change.
“They can now see that Scottish Labour is the vehicle for that change.”
Related: Sir Keir Starmer hails ‘seismic’ win for Labour in Rutherglen and Hamilton West
