Reform UK Secures First Scottish Council By-Election Win Amid Rising Support
Reform UK has won its first council by-election in Scotland, taking the Whitburn and Blackburn ward in West Lothian. The by-election saw a turnout of 22%, with Reform candidate David McLennan receiving 1,177 first-preference votes, surpassing the SNP's 1,028 and Labour's 627 votes.
This result indicates potential momentum for Reform UK ahead of the Holyrood election in May 2026, where polls currently place Reform second behind the SNP and close to Labour's support levels. Despite the notable win, West Lothian Council remains largely held by the SNP and Labour, who together control 26 of the 33 seats, so the by-election does not represent a wholesale regional shift.
Local voters in Whitburn expressed frustration with the main parties, highlighting issues such as migration, the NHS, potholes, homelessness, and benefits as key concerns. The UK government has stated its intention to end the practice of housing asylum seekers in hotels by the next general election.
Community members shared varying views on Reform UK's rise. Café owner Andy Valentini observed high interest in Reform leaflets and noted that rising energy costs and challenges for small businesses have driven support for the party; he advocates legal migration alongside stopping illegal immigration. Darren Ainslie supports Reform UK as a means to encourage government responsiveness, citing small boat crossings as a concern and plans to vote for Reform at Holyrood.
However, some remain skeptical. Resident Susan Snow questioned the sincerity of Reform UK's leader Nigel Farage, expressing worries about the party's inclusivity and a nostalgic appeal for past eras. Historically, Farage's previous ventures like UKIP and the Brexit Party struggled to gain traction in Scotland, but Reform UK appears to be defying that trend in this instance.
