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Nigel Farage’s Reform UK have dragged the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election into the gutter. This contest should have been centred on the mainstream issues of concern to local

voters. Schools, hospitals and other public services should have dominated a contest after 18 years of SNP rule. But the bogus claim by Reform that Scottish Labour Anas Sarwar wants to

“prioritise” Pakistani voters has turned the by-election into a fight for Scotland’s soul. Reform UK are soaring just now because they tap into a belief that the political system has let

down ordinary people. But they also appeal to the lowest common denominator by weaponising concerns about asylum and immigration. With Reform tipped to do well in the by-election next week,

ensuring their defeat is the top priority. Labour should be at the front of the campaign to challenge the lies and distortions of Reform. But they have chosen a poor candidate who is letting

Farage’s right wing party off the hook. Next week, STV will host a special debate for candidates days ahead of the election. Labour’s Davy Russell will not be there amid claims party bosses

fear he will perform poorly. Similarly, he did not appear on the flagship BBC Scotland radio programme earlier this week despite the presence of his rivals. These should have been seen as

prized broadcasting opportunities to push out the Labour message. These slots should have been viewed as a chance to confront Reform on the toxic nonsense they have been pedalling. But

instead Russell will be a no-show in a TV debate that will likely only feature Reform and the SNP. JOIN THE DAILY RECORD WHATSAPP COMMUNITY! Get the latest news sent straight to your

messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up

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you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. If Labour do not have confidence in their own candidate, it is hard to see why local voters should, leaving the SNP as the only party taking

the fight to Reform. The SNP Government has a dismal record on public services, but First Minister John Swinney is right to identify Reform as a massive threat to Scotland. Debating the size

of government and the level of taxes is the stuff of politics, but questioning Sarwar’s loyalty to Scotland as Reform did is just not on. The number one issue in this by-election is not

sending a message to either the UK or Scottish Governments, although both have to raise their game. The top objective must be to beat Farage and send his party a message that divisive

politics is unacceptable. Voters have a chance next week to stop the Farage juggernaut in its tracks and send a positive signal about Scotland’s future. Labour supporters have every right to

feel letdown by the party at this by-election, because it appears the best way to defeat Farage is a vote for the SNP on June 5th.