Scottish by-elections: polling and comment

"The by-elections highlighted the continued challenge facing parties across Scotland: voters remain deeply concerned about the cost of living, with rising energy, food and fuel costs continuing to shape political debate [2]. 
 
"In Aberdeen, the future of the North Sea was always going to be a major issue. But the conversation is increasingly about what comes next as well as what remains. The region is already seeing significant economic benefits from the green energy transition, with clean energy and net zero industries contributing around £1.1 billion to Aberdeen's economy and supporting nearly 13% of local jobs [3]. 
 
"While parties may differ on how Scotland gets there, polling consistently shows that voters want action on climate change alongside economic growth and energy security. That includes a clear majority of Scottish Conservative voters, many of whom say it is important that the party they support has a credible plan to protect the environment and tackle climate change [4].

"The political challenge is no longer choosing between economic prosperity and climate action. For many communities, particularly those with strong energy sector roots, the question is how to maximise the jobs, investment and energy security benefits that come from the transition while supporting workers through change."
 
Polling by More in Common [4] found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of Scottish Conservative voters state it is important that the political party they vote for has a clear position to protect the environment and tackle climate change. Within this group, 60% view it as an important issue but not their absolute top priority. Notably, this is much higher than the total average of Scottish voters at 54% who see it as important.
 


The findings, gathered just ahead of the Holyrood elections, found that voters generally expect parties to have a positive position on these issues, with SNP, Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Conservative voters all supporting this stance.

The data highlights that while Reform UK voters are the most resistant to environmental platforms (39% put off), mainstream Scottish Conservative voters sit squarely within the broader Scottish consensus, with nearly two-thirds demanding a positive climate framework