The Conservative Party has claimed a “seismic” victory in yesterday’s Aberdeen South by-election, with Douglas Lumsden securing the seat in the early hours of Friday morning. This outcome marks the first time the Conservatives have won a Westminster by-election in Scotland since 1967. The result has intensified focus on the future of the North Sea oil and gas industry, a critical economic sector for Aberdeen.
Lumsden secured 14,308 votes, a result attributed by Tory sources largely to tactical voting. In stark contrast, the Scottish National Party (SNP) saw a significant decline in its vote share, plummeting from 15,213 in the 2024 general election to 8,258 in Thursday’s contest. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, who vacated his parliamentary seat after winning a place in the Scottish Parliament.
Following the SNP’s concession, Stephen Flynn expressed his concern, stating on X: “A tough night in Aberdeen that some will need to reflect on, quite heavily.” He referenced historical electoral shifts in the constituency, adding: “We lost Aberdeen South to the Tories in 2017, and we won it back two years later.” Flynn concluded with a hopeful note for his party: “I’ve no doubt that we can do so again. If we get things right.”
Speaking to the Press Association after his victory, Douglas Lumsden highlighted his priorities for the region. “I’m looking forward to getting down to Westminster and really banging the drum for Aberdeen and the oil and gas industry. Labour have got to take note – this is a seismic victory tonight and they have got to change course on oil and gas, they’ve got to change course on energy.”
Lumsden further advocated for policy changes, asserting: “We need to have new licences, we need to scrap the (energy profits levy), we need to save those jobs.”
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch emphasised the broader implications of the Aberdeen South result, particularly in comparison to other recent by-elections. She highlighted the distinct nature of the contest, stating: “Makerfield was about one man’s job. Aberdeen South was about thousands of jobs in oil and gas across our country, and the future of an entire city.”
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Badenoch underscored the constituency’s message: “Yesterday, the people of Aberdeen sent a message on behalf of the whole country. Energy security is national security. They know it is common sense to use our own oil and gas rather than importing it from overseas.”
The Aberdeen South by-election saw a voter turnout of just 38 per cent.
Of the 76,033 electorate eligible to vote, only 28,892 did.
