British politician and MP for Gordon and Buchan; Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland since Aug 2026
A wave of industry and political commentary on North Sea oil and gas continues to shape UK energy policy as Andy Burnham nears the premiership. Calls from industry bodies urge a pragmatic mix of oil, gas and renewables to safeguard energy security, jobs and investment, while opponents warn against accelerating climate targets.
The CMA has urged the UK and devolved governments to bolster safeguards for heating oil consumers after a price spike triggered by the Middle East crisis. It finds rising wholesale costs largely explain price increases, but protections for oil users lag those for gas and electricity customers. About 1,700 orders were cancelled with some patients paying up to £350 extra; regulators plan enforcement and compensation for affected customers.
The Conservative leader has reshuffled her top team, replacing several long-standing figures with new faces and signalling a broader shift in economic policy. Key changes include Claire Coutinho moving to shadow business secretary, Andrew Griffith taking the lead on economic policy, and Tom Tugendhat entering the shadow cabinet in a prominent role. The move comes ahead of Parliament's return and a Tory conference later this year.
The Conservative leadership has reshuffled the shadow cabinet ahead of Parliament’s return, naming Andrew Griffith as shadow chancellor and Claire Coutinho as shadow business secretary. Tom Tugendhat and Priti Patel shift roles; James Cleverly steps aside to pursue a London mayoral bid. The moves are framed as strengthening the party’s economic team while drawing scrutiny over credibility.