By Bill Heaney
Commenting as polls close in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Jackie Baillie said:“I want to thank everyone who has campaigned for and voted Scottish Labour in this by-election.
“With votes still to be counted this race is too close to call, but there is real hope for change in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.
“Throughout this campaign, Davy Russell has led a strong, positive effort focused on restoring pride in this community and delivering the change people are crying out for.
“Voters know the SNP has taken this area for granted for too long – from the crisis in our NHS to neglected town centres and opportunities snatched away from young people.
“It is clear from the thousands of conversations we have had that voters feel the SNP have lost their way.”