Ms Ferrier’s departure from her seat opens up an opportunity for Sir Keir Starmer to strengthen Labour’s presence in Scotland, where they currently only have one MP. This by-election is also a significant test for Humza Yousaf, the Scottish First Minister and SNP leader.
In 2019, Ms Ferrier, who was previously part of the SNP, took the seat from Labour with a majority of 5,230. However, with the recent surge in support for Labour in Scotland, Sir Keir is hopeful of regaining the seat.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sawar has already made numerous visits to the constituency with Sir Keir and other senior shadow cabinet members. The SNP’s support has also declined due to a police investigation into their finances and low approval ratings for Mr Yousaf.
Mr Yousaf, along with SNP candidate Katy Loudon, a local councillor, is set to launch their campaign for the seat on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, Scottish Labour’s deputy leader Jackie Baillie will kickstart her party’s campaign with candidate Michael Shanks, a school teacher.
However, Mr Yousaf criticized Labour for maintaining regressive policies that keep children and working families in poverty. In response, Ms Loudon vowed to oppose any policies that contribute to child poverty. The Tories have chosen Thomas Kerr, their group leader on the local council, as their candidate.
Margaret Ferrier’s constituents have expressed their disapproval of her actions during the pandemic, and the by-election is expected to take place in October. Lord Hayward, a Tory polling expert, views this by-election as a crucial test for Labour’s progress. If Labour fails to win the seat despite the SNP’s difficulties, it will be a setback for Sir Keir Starmer.
Ms Ferrier admitted last year to recklessly exposing the public to the risk of infection. She visited various establishments and took public transportation while experiencing symptoms of Covid-19.
She then attended Parliament, where she interacted with other MPs for a significant period. After discovering her positive test result, she traveled back to Glasgow instead of self-isolating in London.
Ms Ferrier has decided not to stand in the upcoming by-election, stating that the process has been difficult and taxing.
Labour’s Opportunity in Rutherglen and Hamilton West
Ms Ferrier’s resignation from her seat presents a golden opportunity for Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour party to rebuild their presence in Scotland. With only one MP in the region, winning back this seat would be a significant step for Labour’s resurgence.
Testing Times for SNP and Humza Yousaf
The upcoming by-election not only poses a challenge for Labour but also serves as a significant test for the Scottish First Minister and SNP leader, Humza Yousaf. The recent decline in SNP support, coupled with issues surrounding party finances, has placed Mr. Yousaf in a precarious position.
A Previous SNP Victory
In 2019, Ms Ferrier, previously a member of the SNP, secured the seat with a comfortable majority of 5,230. However, Sir Keir Starmer remains optimistic about the chances of reclaiming the constituency, given the rise in support for Labour across Scotland.
Labour’s Determination
Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sawar, has demonstrated their determination to win back Rutherglen and Hamilton West by accompanying Sir Keir Starmer and senior shadow cabinet members on numerous visits to the area. This coordinated effort displays Labour’s commitment to this election.
Concerns Over SNP’s Support
Recent developments, including the police investigation into the SNP’s finances and poor personal approval ratings for Humza Yousaf, have contributed to a decline in SNP support. These factors have left the SNP susceptible to a tough challenge in this by-election.
Campaign Launches
Humza Yousaf is scheduled to launch his party’s campaign alongside SNP candidate Katy Loudon, who is a respected local councillor. On the other hand, Scottish Labour’s deputy leader Jackie Baillie will kickstart her party’s campaign, joined by candidate Michael Shanks, an experienced school teacher.
Labour’s Commitment to Change
Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour’s deputy leader, expressed the need for change in Rutherglen and Hamilton West. She emphasized that the area has suffered under the rule of two incompetent governments and a rule-breaking MP, leaving its constituents voiceless in Parliament.
A Clash of Policies
Humza Yousaf accused Labour of maintaining regressive policies that perpetuate child poverty and harm working families. In response, SNP candidate Katy Loudon vowed to oppose policies such as the two-child benefit cap and bedroom tax, which she believes push children into poverty.
The Tories’ Stance
The Conservative Party has selected Thomas Kerr, their group leader on the local council, as their candidate for the by-election. Deputy leader Meghan Gallacher condemned Margaret Ferrier for her reckless actions during the pandemic and expressed disappointment in her decision to delay her resignation, which she viewed as an insult to the sacrifices made by constituents during Covid-19.
Timing of the By-Election
While it is customary for the government to move the writ for a by-election when an independent MP vacates their seat, the responsibility is expected to fall on the SNP. Brendan O’Hara, the SNP chief whip, is likely to initiate this process when Parliament resumes in September. Consequently, the by-election is anticipated to take place either on Thursday, October 5 or Thursday, October 12.
Implications for the SNP
A defeat for the SNP in this by-election would prove troublesome for Humza Yousaf, especially as it comes just before his party’s conference in Aberdeen, which is scheduled to commence on October 15.
A Crucial Test for Labour
Tory polling expert, Lord Hayward, views this by-election as a decisive moment for Labour. Its outcome will reflect the progress made by Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership. Failing to win the seat despite the SNP’s difficulties would be a significant setback for Labour.
Consequences of Ms Ferrier’s Actions
Last year, Ms Ferrier admitted to negligently exposing the public to the risk of infection by visiting various places while experiencing Covid-19 symptoms. Her decision to then attend Parliament and engage with other MPs potentially jeopardized their health. Ms Ferrier’s subsequent travel back to Glasgow instead of self-isolating in London garnered criticism.
Conclusion
Ms Ferrier has chosen not to contest the upcoming by-election, bringing closure to a challenging and taxing process. The by-election in Rutherglen and Hamilton West is poised to be a highly significant event, shaping the political landscape in Scotland.
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