Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon stated on 18 June 2026 that all eyes are on Makerfield as local voters cast ballots in a by-election described as one of the most important in decades.
Hutcheon reported that the Aberdeen South by-election will show if voters punish the SNP over the Peter Murrell scandal. The source text notes that Peter Murrell is currently in the dock at the High Court in Edinburgh.
According to Paul Hutcheon, both the SNP and Tories displayed weaknesses during what he termed a fractious campaign. As of 18 June 2026, Hutcheon stated Aberdeen South remains too close to call based on these reported developments.
The article text mentions that Labour mayor Andy Burnham is considered the favourite to win in Makerfield and looks set to use his return to Westminster to topple the Prime Minister. Party insiders believe a victory for Burnham will see Keir Starmer exit Downing Street, though this narrative was presented within the context of Hutcheon's reporting.
The Daily Record article focuses on the political implications surrounding the by-election and the ongoing legal proceedings involving Peter Murrell at Edinburgh High Court. The report highlights the competitive nature of the contest between the SNP and Conservative parties in Aberdeen South.