Rutherglen and Hamilton West: Voters go to polls in by-election

1 year ago 23

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Voters are heading to the polls in Scotland's first recall by-election.

The Rutherglen and Hamilton West ballot was triggered after constituents voted to oust former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier, who breached Covid rules.

Both Labour and the SNP are eyeing victory to land an early blow ahead of the next general election, which is expected to be held in 2024.

A total of 14 candidates are standing for election to the House of Commons in the South Lanarkshire seat.

Polling stations opened at 07:00 and will close at 22:00.

A Labour win in Rutherglen and Hamilton West would bolster its hopes to form a majority UK government at the next general election, which must be held by early 2025.

The SNP is aiming to pass its first major electoral test since Humza Yousaf succeeded Nicola Sturgeon as leader.

The SNP won Rutherglen and Hamilton West in 2019 with a majority of 5,230, making it one of the party's most vulnerable Westminster seats. The constituency has changed hands between the SNP and Labour at each of the past three general elections.

The by-election comes after almost 12,000 constituents signed a recall petition against Ferrier. She was given 270 hours of community service after being convicted of breaching Covid regulations in 2020.

Having been removed from the SNP Westminster group, Ferrier sat in the Commons as an independent before being recalled.

Image source, Getty Images

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The result is expected to be confirmed on Friday

The by-election is the first time new voter ID rules are being used in Scotland.

The Electoral Commission launched a campaign with South Lanarkshire Council to make people aware of the requirements amid concerns that voters could be turned away at polling stations.

Accepted forms of ID include a passport, driving licence or National Entitlement Card for concessionary travel, including a 60+, disabled or under-22s bus pass.

While the rules apply to Westminster votes and English local elections, they will not be used in Scottish Parliament or council elections in Scotland.

The vote will adhere to Westminster's first past the post rules, with only one candidate being elected.