Politics · 20 June 2026

Tories win Scottish seat, strengthens net zero exit

Chris McAndrew via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

The Conservatives just won their first Scottish byelection in 50 years, giving Kemi Badenoch a boost for her net zero plans. Douglas Lumsden won the Aberdeen South seat with a 15% swing, helped by the party leader's pro-North Sea drilling stance. Kemi Badenoch said the result showed they had 'won that referendum on oil and gas' for the region.

By BriefTea Editorial · 20 June 2026 at 11:23

Reported by Guardian · How we write briefs

Get the app

Understand this story

What is 'net zero'?

More briefs

PoliticsAndy Burnham rules out Scottish independence vote while offering more local powers PoliticsPolice Arrest Man Over Your Party Database Dispute BusinessBritish Food and Drink Exports to EU Fall by Over a Third PoliticsSpeaking Skills Get Equal Status to Reading and Writing in Schools PoliticsArmy Chief Says Britons Must Prepare Sacrifices for War PoliticsPipe Bomb Attack Evacuates Homes in North Belfast More politics stories → Browse all stories →