Robison rejects calls to field single pro-independence candidate in by-election
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Former first minister and Alba Party leader Alex Salmond said his former party was heading for “electoral disaster” if the pro-independence vote is split. “It would seem more than a setback to the independence cause to let them regain a foothold by fielding multiple pro-independence candidates in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election.” He called on the First Minister to respond by Friday August 25 in time for the Alba national council’s meeting the following day where the party will decide whether it will contest the seat. “We look forward to his response.” Meanwhile, Scottish Labour launched a day of campaigning in Rutherglen and Hamilton West the party described as “super Saturday”, claiming the SNP only offered negativity in the by-election. “While the SNP stoke division and run a negative campaign, Scottish Labour is taking its message of change, a new deal for working people, action to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and saving our NHS to the people.” During her party’s campaign stop, Ms Robison said Labour had become “arrogant” in the constituency.
No Swinney bounce for SNP as Labour surges 10 points clear in ‘bombshell’ poll
Discover Related
Starmer to condemn Farage’s ‘dangerous right-wing politics’ as Reform UK surges in the polls
Jenrick refuses to rule out Tory pact with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK pips Labour in voters YouGov poll for first time
Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform Party leads in UK poll for first time
Tories fighting to keep donors amid rise of Reform UK
Sturgeon: Yousaf’s decision to dump Greens from government was ‘catastrophic’
Tory pact with Farage ‘would be unassailable’ warns pollster with 3-way split at top
Should Keir Starmer panic as poll suggests Labour could lose 200 seats?
I doubt I could have survived general election result – Yousaf
Former first minister Humza Yousaf to stand down as MSP in 2026
Humza Yousaf: A trailblazer in the top job who was never in control
Voters now have a real choice between two clear political paths
Kemi Badenoch’s victory shows the Tories’ survival instinct has finally kicked in
Tory leadership contest: What’s next for the party? Ask Andrew Grice anything
RUSSELL FINDLAY: Labour's Halloween budget is a true nightmare for Scots
Body of Scottish independence champion Alex Salmond flown home from North Macedonia