Reform UK Wins First Council By-Election in Scotland Amid Local Concerns
Reform UK has secured its first council by-election victory in Scotland, winning 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, ahead of the SNP's 1,028 and Labour's 627 votes.
Despite this win, West Lothian Council remains predominantly controlled by SNP and Labour, holding 26 of 33 seats, so the result does not signal a complete political shift. Voters and local business owners have expressed frustration with the main parties, citing concerns over public services, migration, the NHS, potholes, homelessness, and the rising costs of benefits.
Andy Valentini, owner of Andy’s Coffee House, highlighted the impact of increasing expenses such as electricity bills and voiced support for Reform UK's position advocating legal migration while stopping illegal migration. Polls currently place Reform UK in second place in Scotland behind the SNP, on par with Labour, with expectations that the party will gain Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) seats at the next Holyrood elections in May.
Responding to the outcome, SNP representatives emphasized their focus on addressing real local issues, while Labour commented that politics should move beyond the division between Reform and the SNP. The UK government's policy to end asylum seeker hotel housing before the next general election was also mentioned in relation to migration-related concerns expressed by residents.
