UK Conservative lawmaker quits, criticizes government’s climate plans

LONDON, Jan 5 (Reuters) – A former British energy minister on Friday said he would quit the ruling Conservatives and stand down as a lawmaker over the government climate record, rebuking plans to allow more North Sea oil and gas licencing. Chris Skidmore’s resignation will trigger a by-election to replace him as a lawmaker which will be closely watched ahead of a national election that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said he thinks will take place in the second half of 2024. It also gives Sunak a headache to start the year as he attempts to claw back some the opposition Labour Party’s double digit lead over the Conservative Party in the polls. Sunak has been accused by critics of…