Chris Skidmore Resigns as MP Over Sunak's Oil and Gas Bill

The former energy minister's departure triggers a by-election in Kingswood, marking the second by-election of the New Year.

Former energy minister Chris Skidmore has announced his resignation as a Conservative MP, triggering a by-election in his Kingswood constituency.
Skidmore's decision to quit is in protest against Rishi Sunak's bill to allow new oil and gas licenses, which he describes as a 'tragedy' and a 'course of action that is wrong and will cause future harm'.
Skidmore, who signed the net zero by 2050 pledge into law under Theresa May's premiership, has been a leading voice within the Tory party on green issues.
The Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill, which Skidmore opposes, would allow for more licenses to extract fossil fuel from the North Sea, going against the recommendations of most of the world's leading climate scientists.
This will be the second by-election of the New Year, following a recall petition unseating MP Peter Bone in his Wellingborough after he was found guilty of bullying and sexual misconduct.