Mayhem: oil and equity markets caught off guard by UK election result
Yet more uncertainty will be negative for energy demand and stunt policy
Geopolitical risk and volatility have risen since the UK voted for Brexit in 2016. Now a country once known for its political stability has pulled off another shock. Having called an election to build a big parliamentary majority to back her Brexit plans, prime minister Theresa May failed in the 8 June election, losing seats and emerging deeply wounded. Her Conservative party clings to power, just, but will now depend on sympathetic members of a Northern Irish party. May's personal credibility is shattered. In a speech after the election, the prime minister said: "Let's get to work". But it will be another surprise if the Conservatives let her stay in Downing Street for long. By mid-morning
Also in this section
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
1 April 2026
The US-Iran conflict demonstrates the need for diversification in several senses of the word. It also exposes the limits of Washington applying pressure on major oil and gas producers it considers geopolitical adversaries
31 March 2026
Disappointing results in its bidding round are a reality check for Libya, and global exploration generally






