SNP has claimed victory in the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election, one of two pivotal Westminster contests happening in Scotland this week.
The by-election was triggered when SNP MP Stephen Gethins stepped down to take up a place at Holyrood, having won the seat with a majority of about 900 votes. Mr Gethins now serves as the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy of Scotland.
Elsewhere, Stephen Flynn stepped down from his Aberdeen South position to serve as Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport.
Rivals from Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats had all contested the seats, hoping to exploit what they believe to be a moment of vulnerability for the SNP following its recent leadership turbulence.
View 2 ImagesStephen Gethins was previously elected in 2024(Image: Ken Jack – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Polls were open from 7am on Thursday (June 18) until 10pm, with the result announced just before 2am, confirming an SNP victory. Lara Bird has won the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election holding the seat for the SNP.
Lara Bird earned 9,802 votes, representing a 40.39% share of the overall turnout. This was followed by Bill Reid and Reform gained 4,841 votes and an 19.95% share – closely followed by Jack Cruickshanks and the Conservatives with 4,524 votes and an 18.64% share.
It was a good night for the Conservatives in Aberdeen South, meanwhile, as they took the seat from SNP.
The turnout for the Arbroath & Broughty Ferry by-election was 31.36%, down from just under 58% at the 2024 general election.
The Scottish by‑elections coincided with a third contest in Makerfield, Greater Manchester, where Labour’s candidate Andy Burnham is expected to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership if successful.
Turnout figures are yet to be confirmed, though polling stations reported a steady flow of voters throughout the day. This is 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.
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- SNP – Lara Bird – 9,802 votes (hold)
- Scottish Labour Party – Heather Doran – 3,651 votes
- Reform UK – Bill Reid – 4,841 votes
- Scottish Liberal Democrats – Tanvir Ahmad – 1,452 votes
- Scottish Conservative and Unionist – Jack Cruickshanks – 4,524 votes