Reform UK Wins First Scottish Council By-Elections in West Lothian
Reform UK has won its first Scottish council by-elections in Whitburn and Blackburn, West Lothian. The West Lothian Council has 33 seats, with the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Labour together holding 26, so while the by-election result is notable, it does not represent a full shift in control.
Polls place Reform UK in second place behind the SNP and around Labour, with expectations that the party will secure Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) at the upcoming Holyrood election. Whitburn, a former mining town located between Glasgow and Edinburgh, has voters who express frustration with the main political parties.
Local business owner Andy Valentini highlighted concerns about rising energy bills and supports Reform UK's stance on stopping illegal migration. Darren Ainslie indicated he intends to vote Reform in the next Holyrood election and believes governments are not sufficiently listening to voters.
However, some residents remain skeptical about Nigel Farage and Reform UK's inclusivity. Key issues cited by voters include migration and asylum hotels, the National Health Service (NHS), potholes, homelessness, and the benefits bill.
The SNP responded that its campaign focused on addressing real challenges, while Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie accused Reform UK and the SNP of sowing division for political gain. The UK government stated its intention to end asylum hotel housing by the time of the next general election.
