ABERDEEN — Voters in Aberdeen South will participate in a byelection on Thursday, with energy policy serving as a primary topic. The election follows the conviction of Peter Murrell, former Scottish National party chief executive, who was convicted in May of embezzling £400,000 in party funds.

Kemi Badenoch, who visited Aberdeen South on Tuesday and Aberdeen in March, stated that voting Conservative would give the North Sea oil and gas sector a "kiss of life." The Conservative party advocates maximizing oil and gas extraction to protect jobs, increase revenues, and improve Britain's energy security. Douglas Lumsden, the Conservative candidate for Aberdeen South, predicted tactical voting from former Reform UK and Labour supporters. Lumsden stated that voters view the Peter Murrell incident as damaging to the Scottish National party's trustworthiness.

Oil and gas employment in the region is declining, with the regional energy sector reducing employment by approximately 1,000 positions per month. Richard Thomson, the Scottish National party candidate for Aberdeen South, previously served as a member of parliament and a local council leader. Thomson stated that residents know individuals employed in the energy industry through family or social connections. The party supports new offshore oil drilling if the licence passes United Kingdom climate compatibility assessments. Thomson stated that the Conservatives are not supportive of the oil and gas industry. The party states the Conservatives introduced the energy profits levy and claims approximately 70,000 North Sea jobs were lost during their time in government.

Official data indicates the average weekly wage in Aberdeen South is £802, compared to the Scottish average of £776. The relative child poverty rate in Aberdeen South is 7.8%, while in Scotland it is 12.3%. Universal credit claims in Aberdeen South increased by 30% between April 2022 and the present. Approximately 10,000 residents and 8,800 families in Aberdeen South receive state benefits. Cost of living concerns are discussed by voters in the Aberdeen South byelection. Stephen Flynn resigned as the member of parliament for Aberdeen South after winning a seat in the Scottish parliament.