Reform UK celebrated its first electoral win in Scotland following a surprise victory in the council by-election for the Whitburn and Blackburn ward in West Lothian. This triumph, occurring on December 7, 2023, highlights a notable shift in political sentiment within this former mining town, situated between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Many residents express a sense of disillusionment with traditional parties, feeling “fed up” with the status quo. Conversations with locals reveal a common sentiment: dissatisfaction with public services and economic conditions. At Andy’s Coffee House, a central gathering place in Whitburn, owner Andy Valentini shared that he noticed a significant interest in Reform UK’s messaging during the campaign. He noted, “the bulk of the customers were actually taking Reform leaflets.” Valentini criticized the Labour Party’s handling of small businesses, citing a staggering increase in his electricity bills from £300 to £900 over recent years.
The challenges faced by small business owners like Valentini resonate widely. Many locals voiced concerns over the rising cost of living, particularly regarding energy prices and wages. For some, the economic landscape has become untenable, leading them to seek alternatives to the traditional political parties. “Our governments now are not listening,” remarked Darren Ainslie, a local resident who plans to vote for Reform UK in the next Scottish Parliament elections. He expressed frustration over illegal immigration, stating, “you don’t know who you’re getting.”
While Reform UK’s rise reflects a growing constituency, the party does not enjoy unanimous support. Susan Snow, a retired nursery operator, expressed her discontent with the party’s victory, questioning the authenticity of its leader, Nigel Farage. Another resident criticized the party’s agenda, claiming it seeks to “bring things back to the old days, the 1930s,” raising concerns about inclusivity.
Throughout the morning, nearly every person interviewed echoed a feeling of political dissatisfaction. Many were vocal about their discontent with the main parties, particularly regarding issues like immigration, the National Health Service (NHS), and local infrastructure. The phrase “fed up” emerged repeatedly as residents reflected on their frustrations with the current state of affairs.
In light of the upcoming elections, the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Labour have acknowledged the frustrations expressed by voters. Scottish Labour’s Deputy Leader Jackie Baillie emphasized the need for politics to aspire to more than what she sees as divisive rhetoric from both Reform and the SNP. She stated, “politics must aspire to being more than Reform and the SNP talking up division for their own political gain.”
While the significance of a single council by-election should not be overstated, it nonetheless signals a moment of potential change in Scottish politics. The recent polls suggest that Reform UK is gaining traction, indicating the possibility of a notable presence in the Scottish Parliament during the elections scheduled for May 2024. As more residents express a willingness to support Reform UK, the dynamics of the political landscape in Scotland become increasingly unpredictable.
