Reform UK secures its first elected council seat in Scotland, defeating the SNP and Labour

A political upset has unfolded in Scotland after Reform UK won its first-ever elected council seat north of the border, marking a significant moment for the party and a warning sign for the country’s established political forces.

The victory came in the Whitburn and Blackburn ward of West Lothian, where Reform UK candidate David McLennan topped the poll in a local by-election. The result places Reform UK on the electoral map in Scotland for the first time through a direct vote, rather than defections or appointments.

McLennan secured the highest number of first-preference votes, finishing ahead of candidates from both the Scottish National Party and Labour. The SNP’s Callum Cox came second, while Labour’s Samuel McCulloch finished third. Voter turnout was low, with just over one in five eligible residents casting a ballot, but the result has still sent shockwaves through Scotland’s political landscape.

Until now, Reform UK had struggled to convert growing attention into electoral success in Scotland. While the party has built a presence through councillors who defected from other parties, this marks its first outright win at the ballot box. Party figures described the result as a breakthrough moment and proof that Reform’s message can resonate with Scottish voters.

Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, welcomed the result as a major milestone, arguing that it showed increasing dissatisfaction with the political status quo. He suggested the win reflected wider frustration among voters who feel disconnected from traditional parties and want a different approach to local and national issues.

McLennan echoed that sentiment, saying the result showed residents were eager for change. He thanked voters for placing their trust in him and said he intended to represent the community with a focus on accountability and local priorities.

Political analysts have urged caution in reading too much into a single by-election, particularly one with low turnout. However, many acknowledge that the psychological impact of the win could be significant. West Lothian has long been contested territory between Labour and the SNP, and Reform UK’s emergence as a viable challenger introduces a new dynamic.

For Labour, the result adds to concerns about its ability to reconnect with voters in parts of central Scotland. For the SNP, it raises questions about whether support is fragmenting as new parties appeal to disillusioned voters. Reform UK’s success also highlights how volatile local politics has become, with long-standing loyalties no longer guaranteed.

Supporters of Reform UK see the win as a signal that further breakthroughs are possible ahead of future elections, including contests for the Scottish Parliament. Critics argue the party’s rise may be driven more by protest voting than long-term support, but even they concede the result cannot be ignored.

The outcome reflects a broader trend of political fragmentation, where smaller parties can capitalise on voter dissatisfaction and low engagement. In that environment, even a modest by-election can carry outsized significance.

As attention turns to upcoming national contests, Reform UK’s first elected foothold in Scotland will likely shape campaign strategies across the political spectrum. What was once dismissed as a marginal force has now demonstrated it can win, and that alone changes the conversation.