Tories to take Aberdeen South as SNP concedes defeat

The gain would be the first for the Conservatives in a Scottish by-election since 1967.
Douglas Lumsden is set to become an MP (Paul Reid/PA)
PA Wire
Craig Paton
5 minutes ago

The SNP have conceded defeat in the Aberdeen South by-election.

The party expects to lose the seat previously held by former Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, the first gain for the Conservatives in a Scottish by-election since 1967.

A senior party source told the Press Association it was the “Tories’ night”, but pledged to “win it back in 2029”.

And writing on social media, Mr Flynn said: “A tough night in Aberdeen that some will need to reflect on, quite heavily.”

He added: “We lost Aberdeen South to the Tories in 2017, and we won it back two years later.

“I’ve no doubt that we can do so again. If we get things right.”

MSP Douglas Lumsden is set to beat former SNP MP Richard Thomson to take the seat after running an aggressive campaign touting the Conservatives’ oil and gas credentials.

Mr Flynn stood down last month after he was elected as an MSP, with Stephen Gethins doing the same, prompting a by-election in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry.

The former SNP Westminster leader now serves in John Swinney’s Government at Holyrood (Jane Barlow/PA)
PA Wire

Both were quickly appointed to John Swinney’s SNP government.

The campaign for Aberdeen South became a battle over the future of oil and gas, with the Conservatives, Reform and the SNP vying to persuade those in the city – dubbed the energy capital of Europe – they support the industry the most.

Candidates reported the fate of the industry was one of the key issues coming up on the doorsteps during canvassing sessions.

It will be only the fifth time this century the Tories have gained a seat at a Westminster by-election.

The Tories last gained a Westminster seat in Hartlepool in 2021.

Meanwhile, the turnout for the Arbroath & Broughty Ferry by-election was 31.36%, down from just under 58% at the 2024 general election.

The contest has been focused on the cost of living, according to those running in the seat.

Lawyer and party adviser Lara Bird is contesting the constituency for the SNP, against Reform’s Bill Reid and local Labour councillor Heather Doran.

Jack Cruickshanks of the Scottish Tories and Tanvir Ahmad of the Liberal Democrats are also running in the seat.