UNIPA News(London) 18 June-Voters in the Scottish constituencies of Aberdeen South and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry are casting their ballots on Thursday to elect new Members of Parliament following the resignation of two SNP MPs who were later appointed to the Scottish Government.

The by-elections were triggered after former SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins stepped down from the House of Commons after being elected to the Scottish Parliament. Both were subsequently given roles in First Minister John Swinney’s administration.

In Aberdeen South, the campaign has largely centred on the future of the oil and gas sector, a major employer in the region often referred to as Europe’s energy capital. Political parties, including the SNP, Conservatives and Reform UK, have sought to convince voters that they offer the strongest support for the industry.

SNP candidate Richard Thomson is contesting the seat against Conservative MSP Douglas Lumsden and Reform UK candidate Jo Hart. Other candidates include Labour’s Nurul Hoque Ali, Scottish Liberal Democrat Mel Sullivan, Scottish Green Party candidate Jorg Shelton Eckstein, and David Ballantine of the Alliance for Democracy and Freedom.

Meanwhile, the campaign in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry has focused heavily on cost-of-living concerns. The SNP has nominated lawyer and party adviser Lara Bird, while Reform UK is represented by Bill Reid and Labour by local councillor Heather Doran. The Scottish Conservatives have fielded Jack Cruickshanks, while Tanvir Ahmad is standing for the Liberal Democrats.

Polling stations opened at 7:00am and will remain open until 10:00pm. Ballots will be counted overnight, in line with standard procedures for UK parliamentary elections.

Voters are also required to present valid identification before being allowed to cast their ballots.