Reform has launched its campaign for the Aberdeen South by-election will a pledge to put Scotland’s North sea oil and gas sector at the “heart of economic recovery”.

The party’s Scottish deputy leader, Thomas Kerr, called for more backing for the sector, with the plea “drill Scotland drill”.

He spoke as he announced former nurse and midwife, Jo Hart, as Reform UK’s candidate for the  Westminster by-election – which is taking place after the SNP’s Stephen Flynn was elected to Holyrood in the recent Scottish Parliament election.

Ms Hart complained that the North Sea oil industry, much of which is based in Aberdeen, had been “systematically undermined” by both Holyrood and Westminster.

Ms Hart said: “Aberdeen was once proudly known as the oil capital of Europe.

“The North Sea industry created generations of skilled workers, supported thousands of local families, and built an entire network of businesses and supply chains across the north east.

“That industry has been systematically undermined by politicians in both Westminster and Holyrood.”

She insisted Reform UK is the “only party” that fully backs North Sea oil and gas, by supporting new licences for drilling.

“This has always been the stance of Reform UK, we aren’t doing U-turns like other parties,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mr Kerr said he was “delighted to be in Aberdeen to launch Jo’s campaign”, describing her as being a “formidable candidate” who would be a “champion” for Aberdeen South.

The Reform MSP added: “For too long the political mainstream have ignored Aberdeen, that changes now.

“Jo and Reform will put Scotland’s oil and gas sector at its heart of economic recovery. Our message in simple: drill, Scotland, drill.”

The launch of the party’s campaign comes as the SNP’s chief whip at Westminster moved the writs required to trigger the by-election in Aberdeen South and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry – which was vacated by new MSP Stephen Gethins.

“The SNP has acted in an orderly and timely fashion to allow these by-elections to take place as quickly as possible – after the chaos of the last week, maybe the Westminster parties could learn a thing or two from that example,” Kirsty Blackman said.

“Westminster’s chaos comes with a real cost – these by-elections are another chance to reject Westminster control and put Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands.

“Voters know that, unlike the Westminster parties, SNP MPs will always be on Scotland’s side and will always put Scotland’s interests first.

“With news today that energy bills are set to rise again, these elections will also be a chance to reject Westminster’s control over our vast energy resources.

“People in energy rich Scotland pay some of the highest energy bills in Europe while up to 1000 energy jobs are being lost a month – a vote for the SNP is a vote to take Scotland’s energy into Scotland’s hands.”