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.”