The Aberdeen South by-election on June 18 is a pivotal contest on North Sea oil politics. Reform UK and Scottish Conservatives are campaigning on reviving oil and gas production, challenging the SNP's net zero commitments. The outcome could signal a wider debate on the economic burden of net zero ahead of a UK general election.
Liz Kendall has said Keir Starmer would have withdrawn Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US if he had known he failed security vetting, regardless of timing near Trump's inauguration. The science and technology secretary defended the prime minister amid calls for his resignation, stating Starmer is a 'man of integrity' and blaming Mandelson and senior officials for the failure to disclose vetting concerns. The controversy has prompted resignations of senior civil servants and opposition parties are demanding Starmer take responsibility.
Reform UK набирает поддержку в Шотландии, особенно в северо-востоке и центральном поясе, заполняя пробел после падения Scottish Conservatives. Лидер партии Malcolm Offord обвиняет мигрантов в проблемах с жильем и здравоохранением, в то время как активисты отмечают рост видимого расизма и антииммигрантских протестов.
