In what has undoubtedly been a tumultuous year for Scottish politics, there will be no shortage of nominees for this year's Scottish Politician of the Year 2024 awards, a prestigious event which is always a highlight of the country's political calendar.

The Herald today launches the Scottish Politician of the Year Awards 2024 in association with ScottishPower and sponsored by Big Partnership, our annual recognition and celebration of public servants in Holyrood, Westminster, and town halls across the country.

There has been significant change in the last 12 months. Scotland has a new First Minister, and the UK has a new Prime Minister and a new government.

But many challenges remain the same: the cost of living crisis, tight budgets, and the continued strain on public services in the wake of the pandemic.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce a raft of tax hikes and spending cuts when she delivers her first budget at the end of October.

Despite stronger-than-expected growth in the first half of the year, the Labour frontbencher says the Tories have left a substantial black hole in the public finances—a charge her predecessor denies.

Traditionally, a new Chancellor tries to get the bad news out of the way in their first budget to give them some space before the next general election.

But in Scotland, Labour does not have the luxury of another four years before voters get to judge them on their record. The 2026 Scottish Parliament election is looming, and the campaign has already started.

Labour’s Anas Sarwar wants to be the next First Minister and take his party from third place to first.

His ambition has been boosted by a general election result that surprised even Labour’s most optimistic strategists, with the party going from one MP to 37. 

Even the SNP’s most pessimistic strategists were caught off guard by the party’s terrible result, which reduced them to just nine MPs.

“I have to accept we failed to convince people of the urgency of independence in this election campaign,” John Swinney said on the day after the election. “We’re obviously not winning that argument with the public, so we’ve got to think long and hard about how we address that question.”

He moved into Bute House after Humza Yousaf was forced to resign following his decision to kick the Scottish Greens out of government. The decision to end the Bute House Agreement led the Tories to table a vote of no confidence in the then SNP leader, who realised he could not win.

The former First Minister admitted during an appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe that he had “f****d up.”

Operation Branchform rumbles on, with Peter Murrell, the SNP’s former chief executive, charged with embezzlement.

The changes keep coming for the Tories, with both the UK and Scottish parties now searching for a new leader. The contest north of the border has been particularly messy, triggering resignations and bitter infighting.

As always, The Herald will hold Holyrood and Westminster to account but also recognize those politicians who have made a significant contribution, sparked lively debates, and influenced our daily lives for the better—now and in the future.

Started in 1999, the Herald Scottish Politician of the Year Awards in association with ScottishPower are the highlight of the Scottish political calendar.

A judging panel chaired by Catherine Salmond will draw up a shortlist in October, with winners announced at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

 

Categories:

Best Scot at Westminster

The Scottish MP who has made the biggest impact and had most influence in their role at Westminster, either within their own party or for the country.

Donald Dewar Debater of the Year 

The MSP who has demonstrated the best debating skills within the Scottish Parliament, either with fellow MSPs or the media. This can be considered on a one speech performance or over the course of the past year.

Committee MSP of the Year

The backbench MSP who has stood out most in Holyrood’s vital committee system. The winner will be a parliamentarian who has shone in the role of scrutinising legislation, inquiring into public policy and holding ministers to account. They will have a talent for finding the right question in committee meetings and presenting their case in committee debates.

Community MSP of the Year

A new category which would have been titled ‘Constituency MSP of the Year’ if Holyrood did not have regional as well constituency MSPs. The winner will be an MSP who has fought hard for people in their constituency or region on a big local issue or high profile individual case.

One to Watch – Supported by ScottishPower

This award will recognise an MSP who demonstrates potential to rise through the ranks of their party and/or in Parliament.

Politics in Business Award – Supported by Big Partnership

This award recognises engagement with the business community to create a more business-friendly environment. MSPs, MPs and MEPs are all eligible to be considered.

The ScottishPower Green Champion – Supported by ScottishPower

This will award an MSP who has worked closely in partnership with businesses and organisations to effect positive strides in relation to environment/ sustainability/Climate Change/NetZero Targets

Public Campaigner of the Year

A public award to recognise an individual or group that has best engaged with the political system to change legislation.

Scottish Local Politician of the Year

This award recognises the achievements of a politician working within one of the 32 Scottish local authorities. The recipient will demonstrate outstanding and innovative public service and commitment to the community they serve.

Lifetime Achievement Award

This award is not presented on an annual basis but to mark the achievements of an MSP or MP whose political career has a consistent history of service above and beyond the call of duty throughout their career.

Scottish Politician of the Year – Presented by The Herald

The MSP who demonstrates the biggest contribution to the political process in Scotland throughout the year.