The Scottish National Party has conceded defeat in the Aberdeen South by-election, paving the way for the Conservatives to secure their first gain in a Scottish by-election since 1967.
The party expects to lose the seat previously held by former Westminster leader Stephen Flynn. A senior SNP source told the Press Association it was the “Tories’ night”, but pledged to “win it back in 2029”.
MSP Douglas Lumsden is set to beat former SNP MP Richard Thomson after an aggressive campaign that highlighted the Conservatives’ oil and gas credentials. The by-election was triggered after Mr Flynn stood down last month following his election as an MSP, along with Stephen Gethins, prompting a contest in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry.
Both former MPs were quickly appointed to John Swinney’s SNP government at Holyrood. The campaign in Aberdeen South became a battle over the future of oil and gas, with the Conservatives, Reform, and the SNP vying to persuade voters in the city—dubbed the energy capital of Europe—that they support the industry the most.
Candidates reported that the fate of the industry was one of the key issues raised by voters during canvassing sessions.
