Election Overview
What happened
- Reform UK won its first ever electoral victory in Scotland at a by-election for West Lothian Council in the Whitburn and Blackburn ward. Formerly held by Labour, the seat was open after the previous councillor’s resignation. (STV News)
Result details
- David McLennan (Reform UK) topped the count with 1,177 first-preference votes. (STV News)
- Callum Cox (SNP) finished second with about 1,026 votes and Samuel McCulloch (Labour) third on 627. (STV News)
- The overall turnout was low — around 22% of the electorate. (STV News)
This marked the first time Reform UK has won a seat on a Scottish council through a by-election campaign, rather than through defections from other parties (which had previously given them councillors in Scotland). (The Scottish Sun)
Significance & Broader Context
Historic First Win
- Although Reform had councillors in Scotland by defection from other parties, this is its first direct electoral win north of the border. (The Scottish Sun)
- The party now counts multiple councillors in Scotland through both elections and defections. (The Scottish Sun)
Wider Momentum
- This result comes amid national gains for Reform UK in local by-elections across the UK, where it has taken seats from both Labour and Conservatives, signaling a broader surge in support ahead of bigger contests. (The Standard)
Norwich & National Trends (Related Context)
- Across several by-elections this year in England and Wales, Reform has picked up local council seats from major parties — even in areas previously considered strongholds for Labour or Conservatives — indicating a shift in voter behaviour at the local level. (GB News)
Reactions
Reform UK
- Nigel Farage described the win as a “dam breaking moment” for the party in Scotland and evidence of growing momentum among voters dissatisfied with traditional parties. (The Scotsman)
- Party figures said the result “sends a huge message to the Scottish political establishment” and bodes well for next year’s Scottish Parliament election, where Reform aims to expand its representation. (The Scotsman)
Party Supporters
- Supporters celebrated the victory as a sign that Reform’s message — focused on issues like immigration, public services, and economic change — is resonating in working-class and traditionally non-Reform areas. Online reactions hailed it as a breakthrough for conservative politics in Scotland. (Reddit)
Critics
- Opponents, including SNP and Labour voices, view the win with concern but warn that low turnout and the quirks of Single Transferable Vote (STV) counting mean it’s not necessarily a reliable predictor of broader electoral success. Some argue that Reform’s gains reflect protest voting more than lasting support. Commentary around how transfers can affect results highlights that winners can emerge from narrow initial leads under STV. (Ballot Box Scotland)
What It May Mean Going Forward
Political analysts suggest:
- The result, while locally confined, could signal shifts in voter sentiment that Reform UK hopes to capitalise on in the 2026 Scottish Parliament (Holyrood) election. (The Scotsman)
- Polls have shown Reform gaining ground over Labour in Scotland recently, though the SNP remains ahead overall. (Reddit)
Below are case studies and political comments explaining the significance of Reform UK securing its first Scottish seat in a council by-election, with context on voter behaviour, party strategy, and wider implications for Scottish politics.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Whitburn & Blackburn By-Election (West Lothian)
This by-election marked Reform UK’s first direct electoral victory in Scotland.
What happened
- Reform UK candidate David McLennan won the seat in the Whitburn and Blackburn ward on West Lothian Council.
- The seat had previously been held by Labour.
- Reform topped the poll on first-preference votes, ahead of the SNP and Labour, under Scotland’s Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.
Why it matters
- This was Reform UK’s first Scottish council seat won at the ballot box, not via defection.
- It demonstrates Reform’s ability to convert protest sentiment into actual electoral success in Scotland.
MPs and analysts’ view
Political analysts say the result reflects voter frustration with established parties, especially in areas facing cost-of-living pressures and public-service concerns
Case Study 2: Low Turnout, High Impact
Turnout in the by-election was around 22%, a common feature of local contests.
Key insight
- Reform UK benefited from a motivated and disciplined voter base, while traditional party supporters were less engaged.
- Similar patterns have been seen in Reform wins in English council by-elections, where turnout has been low but dissatisfaction high.
Implication
Experts note that low-turnout elections amplify anti-establishment parties, giving Reform opportunities to break through even in areas where it lacks a long history
Case Study 3: Reform UK’s Gradual Scottish Strategy
Before this result, Reform UK had Scottish councillors only through defections.
What changed
- The party invested in targeted local campaigning, focusing on:
- Cost of living
- Immigration
- Opposition to political “consensus” at Westminster and Holyrood
- The win suggests Reform’s message can resonate beyond England, challenging assumptions about Scotland’s political landscape.
Strategic takeaway
Reform UK now views local elections as a stepping stone toward future Scottish Parliament contests
Comments & Reactions
Nigel Farage (Leader, Reform UK)
“This is a dam-breaking moment for Reform in Scotland.”
Farage described the victory as proof that Scottish voters are increasingly willing to back alternatives to Labour, the SNP, and the Conservatives
Reform UK Councillor David McLennan
McLennan said the result showed that:
- “People are fed up with the old parties”
- Local residents want councillors who challenge the political status quo
His comments framed the win as a grassroots revolt, rather than a single-issue protest vote
Labour & SNP Reaction
- Labour sources described the result as “disappointing” but pointed to low turnout as a limiting factor.
- SNP figures warned against over-interpreting one by-election but acknowledged that Reform is drawing votes from across party lines, not just Conservatives
Political Analysts
Commentators highlight three reasons the result matters:
- Reform UK is now electorally credible in Scotland
- It exposes volatility among working-class voters
- It may complicate future contests by splitting opposition votes
Analysts caution that sustained success will depend on whether Reform can replicate this performance in higher-turnout elections
Key Insight
This by-election is less about one council seat and more about changing political dynamics:
- Reform UK has proven it can win votes in Scotland
- Traditional parties face growing challenges from anti-establishment alternatives
- Local elections may serve as an early warning sign ahead of national and devolved contests