Swinney: Reject gutter politics of right-wing party

FIRST Minister John Swinney has urged voters in the Hamilton by-election to reject the "gutter politics" of Reform UK as polls open.

- PAUL HUTCHEON

The vote sparked by the death of Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie in March will take place today, with a result expected early tomorrow.

The SNP and Labour were initially seen as the frontrunners in the race but Nigel Farage-led Reform UK has surged in the seat and hopes to push for second place.

One of the major talking points of the campaign has been the criticism levelled at Reform after an attack advert published by the party claimed Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar prioritises people from Pakistan over Scots.