Nigel Farage Faces Criticism Ahead of Aberdeen Appearance: SNP Accuses Reform UK Leader of Ignoring Scotland’s Interests
The political temperature in Scotland has risen sharply ahead of a crucial by-election, as Nigel Farage, head of Reform UK, prepares to hold a press conference in Aberdeen. His scheduled visit comes at a pivotal moment in the run-up to the Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse by-election, which follows the resignation of former Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie.
Initial forecasts had painted a familiar battlefield between the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Labour for the vacant seat. However, Reform UK’s surge in popularity has transformed the contest into an increasingly unpredictable race. The group’s campaign – marked by pointed negative advertising, particularly those aimed at Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar – has ignited fierce debate, with accusations of racist undertones adding fuel to a fraught election season.
Scotland’s First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney has taken a strong stance against Farage, claiming that the Reform UK leader “doesn’t care about Scotland”. Speaking as the race heads towards its conclusion, Mr Swinney expressed concern about what he described as a “deeply concerning rise in support for Farage”, while also criticising Labour for what he sees as their lacklustre efforts in the campaign.
Echoing this sentiment, Anas Sarwar has also launched a personal attack on Farage, describing him as “a poisonous little man” and asserting that his brand of politics sows “racism and hatred” in the area. Such charges are significant as Reform UK appears intent on expanding its influence in Scotland, challenging the dominance of both traditional parties.
As tensions rise, the battle lines are being sharply drawn. According to Mr Swinney, “only the SNP is prepared to deliver for Scotland’s future,” as he urged voters to resist Reform UK’s advance. Offering a reminder of his party’s record, the First Minister highlighted key achievements from his government, including free prescriptions, free tuition, and free bus travel for vulnerable age groups. Looking ahead, he pointed to SNP’s pledge to abolish peak rail fares and campaign to remove the two-child cap on benefits.
Stephen Flynn, the SNP’s leader in Westminster, reinforced concerns about Farage’s agenda, suggesting that Reform UK’s opposition to net zero targets and backing for increased oil extraction threaten the economic and environmental stability of Scotland. According to Mr Flynn, Farage represents as much of a risk to Scotland’s long-term future as those advocating a swift end to North Sea oil and gas production.
The debate around energy policy has become particularly heated, with Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice underlining plans to promote oil extraction as a major policy for the upcoming Holyrood elections. In response to criticism from the SNP, a Reform UK spokesperson argued that the current government’s attitude towards oil and gas has restricted growth, led to missed job opportunities, and risked the future of Scotland’s energy sector, especially in light of the recent closure of the Grangemouth refinery.
While the national conversation intensifies, Reform UK has also enjoyed some smaller victories. Last week, the party celebrated its first electoral win in Carmarthenshire, Wales, as candidate Michelle Beer secured victory in the Lliedi ward, marking a potential stepping stone for the party’s broader ambitions across the UK.
Observers note that this by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse has become a microcosm of broader political battles – not just between pro- and anti-independence camps, but over issues of economic transition, energy security, and the character of political discourse in Scotland.
As Thursday’s vote approaches, the eyes of both the political class and the Scottish public will be keenly fixed on Aberdeen, where Nigel Farage hopes to bolster Reform UK’s prospects in a landscape where old allegiances are being challenged and new political forces are testing the strength of tradition.