The final weekend of campaigning for the Hamilton by-election has taken a sharp turn into vitriol, with Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, denouncing Nigel Farage as a racist. In a speech aimed at energising Scottish National Party (SNP) activists, he accused the leader of Reform UK of introducing “racism and hatred” into the local community, labelling such rhetoric as “repugnant.” When pressed during a subsequent media interaction about whether he believed Farage was indeed a racist, Swinney responded unequivocally, stating, “Yes.” This confrontation reflects a broader struggle within Scottish politics, as the SNP fights to maintain its dominance against a resurgent Reform party.

The backdrop to this political clash includes the unexpected by-election triggered by the passing of Nationalist MSP Christina McKelvie. Swinney's remarks come at a time when national surveys indicate Reform UK is making surprising inroads with the Scottish electorate. One poll suggested that the party could capture 21 per cent of the vote in the upcoming Holyrood elections, a significant shift that threatens to alter the balance of power among Scottish political parties.

Swinney's assertions have stirred the waters not just with Farage but also with Scottish Labour's leader, Anas Sarwar. Speaking to the media, Sarwar labelled Farage as a “clear and present danger to our country,” articulating concerns over the divisive tactics employed by Reform during the campaign. This includes a recent election advertisement that misrepresented Sarwar’s comments, adding to the campaign’s overall atmosphere of animosity. In an open letter to voters, Sarwar cautioned against viewing the contest as merely a face-off between Labour and Reform; instead, he emphasised the need to galvanise support to thwart what he characterised as an assault on community values.

Amidst these tensions, there remains a pronounced commitment within the SNP to present a united front against Farage's politics. Swinney previously underscored this during the campaign, asserting in unequivocal terms that the SNP would engage with neither Farage nor his party under any circumstances. His coherent stance reflects broader concerns among coalition and party leaders alike about the ramifications of Farage's appeal, especially following his provocative rise in England's local elections, where emerged as a populist force.

Moreover, Swinney has previously characterised Farage as an accomplice to a negative and divisive political narrative that detracts from Scotland's values. He has also labelled Farage a “far-right accomplice” to Russian aggression amid the war in Ukraine, highlighting the fundamental differences between their political worldviews and reinforcing the SNP's commitment to unity against external threats to Scottish interests.

As the by-election approaches, the stakes could not be higher for the SNP. With the political landscape shifting and Reform UK potentially positioned to challenge the traditional power structures, Swinney aims to galvanise support by framing the choice as binary: continuity with the SNP's progressive agenda or the risk of embracing divisive and regressive politics. Both he and Sarwar recognise that this by-election is more than a local contest; it is a critical crossroads for Scotland’s political identity as the nation grapples with competing visions for its future.

The outcome of the vote on Thursday will not only determine local representation in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse but could also set the stage for larger debates in Scottish politics, making it crucial for voters to weigh their decision carefully.

Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services