Former Energy Minister Resigns Over North Sea Drilling Plans

Chris Skidmore's resignation triggers a by-election, adding to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's challenges.

Former energy minister Chris Skidmore resigned as an MP, accusing the UK government of 'rowing ever further back from its climate commitments' due to plans to increase oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.
The Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill, which mandates annual licenses for North Sea oil and gas projects, is set to be debated in the Commons on Monday.
Skidmore's resignation triggers a by-election in his South Gloucestershire seat of Kingswood, a potential gain for Labour and a challenge for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Reform UK announced they will boycott the by-election due to the cost, calling it a 'grotesque abuse of taxpayers’ cash.'
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt defended the government's stance, stating that domestic oil and gas is 'four times cleaner than imported oil and gas.'