Labour optimistic in ‘huge’ byelection in Rutherglen and Hamilton West

Activists say feedback from the doorsteps bodes well for a result that they hope will herald a revival for the party in Scotland

Labour insiders have described the Rutherglen and Hamilton West byelection this week as the biggest vote since the last election, amid notable confidence they will win the seat from the SNP.

The claim has been made in internal discussions before the vote on Thursday, with Keir Starmer's most senior advisers regarding it as by far the most important of three byelection campaigns currently under way. There will now be a deluge" of activists and shadow cabinet ministers visiting the seat before polling day.