Labour would have been in dire trouble if they didn’t win this one, but the fact the Conservatives significantly closed the gap still doesn’t bode well, to say nothing of them pushing the SNP into third.
Author: Ballot Box Scotland
By-Election Result: Kilmarnock West and Crosshouse
Another Labour win in a ward they’d have been hard pressed to lose based on 2022 results, but with somewhat more modest swings after transfers than they might have hoped.
By-Election Result: Colinton and Fairmilehead
A thumping Lib Dem victory in a ward that would have seemed a solid bet for Labour in 2022 terms.
By-Election Result: Whitburn and Blackburn
Labour manage another expected win, and Reform UK show strong support in a ward well suited to them.
By-Election Result: Mearns
The Conservatives complete a trio of Aberdeenshire victories, against a slumping SNP and surging Lib Dems.
By-Election Result: Central Buchan
The Conservatives pull off a strong victory in a by-election notable for the surprising absence of Alba, despite this ward being home to the now-late Alex Salmond.
By-Election Result: Fraserburgh and District
A Conservative consolation prize for the humbling of Douglas Ross at the General Election, but with a swing towards the SNP and a strong – but not unanticipatedly so – result for Reform UK.
By-Election Result: Inverclyde West
Labour manage an expected win, but experience a surprising swing to the SNP after transfers are counted, whilst Alba record their best ever result thus far.
By-Election Result: Elgin City South
A big upset, as the most Labour-friendly town in the north east of Scotland experiences a big Lib Dem surge, leading to the Conservatives pipping the SNP for the seat
Poll Analysis: Norstat 30th of October – 1st of November 2024
Labour’s rocky start in Downing Street continues with some steep declines in this poll, putting the SNP comfortably ahead of them on all votes, whilst the constitutional question returns a straight tie.