Scottish Labour's Davy Russell has won the by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. Mr Russell took top spot with 8,559 votes. The SNP placed second with 7,957 votes, with Reform UK closely taking third with 7,

The result provides some relief for Starmer, whose party has suffered a steep fall in support after it raised taxes, cut welfare benefits and got into a row over donations.

The win comes against the backdrop of national polls which place Scottish Labour in third place behind the SNP and Reform UK and will undoubtedly give a boost to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar’s bid to become First Minister in next year’s election.