Voters in two Scottish by-elections are heading to the polls today to elect new Members of Parliament, following the departure of former SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins to the Scottish Parliament last month. The contests in Aberdeen South and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry were triggered after both MPs were elected as MSPs and subsequently appointed to John Swinney's government.
Aberdeen South: A Battle Over Oil and Gas
The campaign in Aberdeen South has centered on the future of the oil and gas industry, with the Conservatives, Reform UK, and the SNP vying to position themselves as the strongest supporters of the sector in the city, often referred to as the energy capital of Europe. Candidates reported that the fate of the industry was a key issue raised by voters during canvassing sessions.
Former MP Richard Thomson is standing for the SNP, while Conservative candidate is MSP Douglas Lumsden, and Reform UK is represented by Jo Hart. Other candidates include Jorg Shelton Eckstein (Scottish Greens), Mel Sullivan (Scottish Liberal Democrats), Nurul Hoque Ali (Labour), and David Ballantine (Alliance for Democracy and Freedom).
Arbroath and Broughty Ferry: Cost of Living Takes Center Stage
In the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry constituency, the cost of living has emerged as the dominant issue, according to candidates. Lawyer and party adviser Lara Bird is contesting the seat for the SNP, facing Reform UK's Bill Reid and local Labour councillor Heather Doran. Jack Cruickshanks (Scottish Conservatives) and Tanvir Ahmad (Liberal Democrats) are also in the race.
Polling stations opened at 7am and will close at 10pm, with ballot counting expected to take place overnight. Unlike the most recent Holyrood election, where counting occurred the following day, UK parliamentary elections retain overnight counts. Voters are reminded to bring photo ID to cast their ballots.
