The Scottish National Party has claimed victory in the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election, one of two crucial Westminster contests held in Scotland this week.
The by-election was triggered after SNP MP Stephen Gethins stepped down to take up a position at Holyrood. Gethins had won the seat with a majority of approximately 900 votes in the 2024 general election. He now serves as Scotland's Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy.
In a separate development, Stephen Flynn vacated his Aberdeen South seat to become Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport.
Rival parties, including Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, contested the seat, hoping to capitalise on what they perceived as SNP vulnerability following recent leadership turmoil.
Polls opened at 7am on Thursday, June 18, and closed at 10pm. The result was announced shortly before 2am, confirming an SNP victory. Lara Bird won the by-election, holding the seat for the SNP.
The turnout for the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election was 31.36%, a significant drop from just under 58% at the 2024 general election.
The Scottish by-elections coincided with a third contest in Makerfield, Greater Manchester, where Labour candidate Andy Burnham is expected to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's leadership if he wins.
Turnout figures are yet to be officially confirmed, though polling stations reported a steady flow of voters throughout the day. This was the first Westminster-level vote in these constituencies since the introduction of mandatory photo ID, which all voters were required to present at polling stations.
The candidates for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry were:
- SNP - Lara Bird
- Scottish Labour Party - Heather Doran
- Reform UK - Bill Reid
- Scottish Liberal Democrats - Tanvir Ahmad
- Scottish Conservative and Unionist - Jack Cruickshanks
