Aberdeen South By-Election Focuses on Energy Strategy and Local Community Issues
Voters in Aberdeen South are preparing for a by-election on Thursday, 18 June, with the contest shaped by competing visions for the region's economic future and critical local concerns.
The constituency, encompassing both the city's commuter belt and urban areas near the harbour, is navigating a complex landscape. While £420 million has been invested in the South Harbour development at the Port of Aberdeen, port chief executive Bob Sanguinetti notes that the facility has yet to reach its full potential. Sanguinetti is urging the next Member of Parliament to champion a more “robust and holistic energy strategy” that spans from traditional oil and gas to renewables. He highlighted a 15-20% drop in oil and gas activity last year and the slow pace of offshore wind development, leading to “significant job losses” in the region. The UK government plans to replace the energy profits levy, or windfall tax, by 2030, which the industry blames for thousands of job losses since its 2022 introduction.
Conversely, community advocates in Torry, near St Fittick's Park, are pressing for attention to local issues. Hundreds of residents have been displaced from the Balnagask area due to homes constructed with potentially dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac). Ishbel Shand, a local campaigner, argues for a “genuine just transition” that diversifies Aberdeen's economy beyond a “sunset industry.” Ian Baird, another resident, echoed this sentiment, stating the constituency's issues are being overly reduced to offshore jobs and calling for politicians to address community needs.
Norman Esslemont, a city centre shop owner, prioritises North Sea investment and a reduction in the windfall tax to stimulate business growth in the north-east. The by-election, triggered by Stephen Flynn's move to become an MSP, features seven candidates. Voters will require photo identification at polling stations.
