SNP to “learn lessons” as Labour wins crucial by-election

Senior figures in the SNP have vowed to learn lessons from Labour’s surprise victory at the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election.

The party’s Davy Russell won with 8,559 votes, a majority of 602 over the second-placed SNP. The vote followed the death of SNP MSP Christina McKelvie, who had represented the constituency since 2011.

Scottish Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson said the SNP would need to “look very closely” at the result and “learn the lessons” for the Holyrood elections.

Reform UK finished third with 7,088 votes, knocking the Conservatives into fourth place with just 1,621 votes.

The SNP had been tipped to retain the seat, with some suggesting that Labour…