The SNP's crushing defeat in the Rutherglen by-election has been seen as a major blow to the party and a huge boost for Labour, led by Keir Starmer. Labour won the seat with a swing of over 20% from the SNP, taking a majority of over 9,000 votes. The result has led to fears within the SNP that Labour is on track to win up to 40 seats in Scotland at the next general election, which would be a devastating blow for the party. It would also give Labour a significant boost in its bid to win the overall election and oust the Conservatives from power. There are a number of factors behind the SNP's meltdown in Rutherglen. One is the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader and First Minister earlier this year. Sturgeon was a hugely popular figure in Scotland and her departure has left the party without a clear leader or direction. Another factor is the SNP's record in government. The party has been in power in Scotland for over 15 years, but many voters believe that it has become
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