The result provides some relief for Starmer, whose party has suffered a steep fall in support after it raised taxes, cut welfare benefits and got into a row over donations.

But there are "some caveats". Labour won a Westminster by-election there less than two years ago with a majority of about 9,500 and triumphed at the 2024 general election by a "similar margin", but this time they "squeaked through" on a "thin margin" margin of 602 votes.

The vote followed the death of SNP MSP Christina McKelvie, who had represented the constituency since 2011. Scottish Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson said the SNP would need to "look very closely" at the result and "learn the lessons" for the Holyrood elections.