FM was coasting.. now he's all at sea

LABOUR'S stunning win was a huge boost for Anas Sarwar's chances of becoming the next first minister and a hammer blow for John Swinney.

- ANALYSIS PAUL HUTCHEON

Sarwar looked to be dead man walking after Keir Starmer's poor start as PM but it may be the SNP leader who is headed for the political mortuary.

The mood music of the campaign was that the SNP would hold Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse after a cautious but effective campaign.

Labour door knockers feared the unpopularity of Starmer would cost them the seat and he was kept away.

Their candidate, Davy Russell, was mocked for dodging media appearances and Reform UK were tipped to beat Labour to second place.