Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election: Date confirmed for by-election as Westminster returns from summer recess

MPs to decide when to hold two by-elections as they return to Westminster after the summer recess

MPs are in for a busy first day as they head back to Westminster after the summer recess.

For those in Scotland, one of the most highly-anticipated events of the day is setting the date for the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election.

That date has now been confirmed as Thursday, October 5.

MPs return to Westminster following the summer recess. Image: Marek Stefunko.

The by-election has been billed as a straight fight between the SNP and Scottish Labour, who have both been out campaigning in the constituency all summer.

This by-election was triggered after constituents removed their MP Margaret Ferrier for breaking coronavirus lockdown rules by getting a train from London to Glasgow while infected with the virus.

The party that held the seat before the by-election was announced needed to formally move a writ to get the process for setting a date started.

Although Ms Ferrier latterly served as an independent MP, she was initially elected as an SNP MP.

MPs will also decide the date for the Mid-Bedfordshire by-election in England following the resignation of Nadine Dorries last week.

The date will be set for either October 12 or October 19, although it is understood MPs want to see these votes done sooner rather than later.

Today will also see the three new MPs who were elected over the summer in the three English by-elections take their seats for the first time.

Conservative Steve Tuckwell won the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election, Keir Mather was elected to the Selby and Ainsty seat, and Lib Dem Sarah Dyke will take up the Somerton and Frome seat.

It will also be a busy day for the UK Labour Party in Westminster – Sir Keir Starmer is expected to hold a shadow cabinet reshuffle to get key players into position ahead of next year’s general election.

On top of this it is the first day for Labour’s new chief of staff Sue Gray.

Former civil servant Ms Gray is best known for leading the partygate inquiries into former prime minister Boris Johnson and his Conservative government during the coronavirus pandemic.