THE date for the upcoming Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election has been announced.
The by-election, which is taking place after voters backed a recall petition against former MP Margaret Ferrier, is considered to be a race between SNP and Labour who have swapped wins in the seat for the past 10 years.
Voters will head to the ballot box on October 5, and it is understood the count will take place overnight, though this is not confirmed.
The two-child benefit cap, Brexit, and party leadership have dominated local campaigns.
Commenting, SNP local candidate, Katy Loudon said: “The people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West will never be a priority for a Labour MP, who will be forced to toe the pro-Brexit pro-austerity London party line.
“We’ve already seen Starmer’s man in Rutherglen roll back on his principles when his Westminster boss comes to visit. This constituency didn't vote for Brexit or the Tory austerity policies - but Labour have confirmed they will remain wedded to both.
"In the up-coming by-election, a vote for the SNP is a vote for cost-of-living support and an MP that stands up for their constituents and Scotland - not the Westminster establishment."
On Monday morning, Loudon committed to introducing a Private Member’s Bill to abolish the two-child benefit cap and rape clause within the first 100 days of becoming an MP, if she wins the backing of voters in Rutherglen and Hamilton West.
Labour’s candidate for Rutherglen and Hamilton West attempted to distance himself early in the contest from his party leaders comments on the two-child benefit cap and Bedroom Tax.
Michael Shanks previously quit Labour in 2019 describing its approach to EU membership as “bankrupt”.
However, when asked if he would like the UK to rejoin the EU one day, he said: “I think it's not a question for just now, but I still see the UK as having a place in the European Union".
Scottish Greens candidate Cameron Eadie said: “The people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West have the opportunity to send a loud and clear message by voting for the bold and radical action that is so urgently needed.
“We are in a climate crisis that is burning our planet and a cost of living crisis that is plunging families all over our country into poverty. We can’t go on like this.
"When I've been knocking on doors I've been talking to people about our positive vision and the difference that even one Scottish Green voice could make in a broken Westminster system.
"We only have to look to the Scottish Parliament where Greens are delivering for people and planet. This is the change that is needed at every level if we are to have a liveable future.
Commenting after the SNP at Westminster moved the writ to hold the by-election, Westminster Leader, Stephen Flynn MP said: “The people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West deserve to have this by-election as soon as possible so they can vote to send a strong MP to Westminster that will truly stand up for them, and against the cruel Tory policies that Labour now support.
“The SNP have a fantastic candidate in Katy Loudon, who has a proven track record in the constituency. The SNP know exactly what we stand for and will fight for every single vote - as we always do.
“By contrast, the pro-Brexit Labour party are taking the people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West for granted by arrogantly acting like they have this election in the bag.
“With Sir Keir Starmer having ruled out ever re-joining the EU and backing Tory policies, including the cruel two-child cap and rape clause, people are asking what is the point of Labour?”
