THE by-election to succeed the late SNP MSP Christina McKelvie as MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse has been set for June 5.

The announcement from Holyrood’s presiding officer Alison Johnstone came after the death last month of drugs minister Ms McKelvie, previously on medical leave for secondary breast cancer treatment.

The SNP has already selected a candidate, local councillor and two-time Westminster candidate Katy Loudon, who promised to “build on Christina’s incredible legacy.”

SNP First Minister John Swinney said: “The SNP will be fighting a positive, can-do campaign in this election — we will be talking about how we are supporting people through tough times and we will be giving hope for a brighter future.”

While Scottish Labour has yet to select a candidate, its deputy leader Jackie Baillie said:

“From long NHS waiting lists to struggling local businesses to overstretched local services, the signs of this SNP government’s failure are plain to see — but this isn’t as good as it gets.

“Scottish Labour is ready to deliver a change of direction in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, and across Scotland.”