politics
Conservatives win Aberdeen South by-election
The Conservative candidate won the Aberdeen South by-election, the first such victory for the party in a Scottish Westminster seat in more than 50 years. Campaign arguments focused on government policy toward North Sea oil and gas development.
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The Conservative candidate won the Aberdeen South by-election on a platform that highlighted government restrictions on new North Sea oil and gas licences and the continuation of the windfall tax. The result marks the first Scottish Conservative win in a Westminster by-election in more than 50 years. Campaign statements described the contest as a referendum on oil and gas policy.
Union response Unite said the outcome reflected dissatisfaction with government treatment of the oil and gas sector. The union stated that workers would continue to leave the governing party until a credible jobs plan is presented. Union officials described the policy approach as industrial vandalism and called for an end to restrictions on new licences.
Business and voter reaction Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive at the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, called for an immediate end to the Energy Profits Levy and a transition to an Oil and Gas Price Mechanism to restore investor confidence.
Former North Sea worker Maurice Tidy said the vote showed continued local support for the industry and its role in energy security. The winner stated after the result that Aberdeen had sent a clear message that changes to North Sea policy were required.
