The result provides some relief for Starmer, whose party has suffered a steep fall in support after it raised taxes, cut welfare benefits and got into a row over donations.

MSP Davy Russell beats SNP in a narrow victory, as Reform jumps into third place for Scottish Parliament seat.

Labour’s victory in a tight three-way Scottish by-election has opened up the race for next May’s Holyrood parliamentary elections, with Reform UK establishing itself as a serious contender. After an ill-tempered campaign marked by racism rows,