First Minister John Swinney will battle his deputy, Kate Forbes, and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar for the top gong at tomorrow night’s Scottish Politician of the Year Awards 2024 in association with Scottish Power.
The three are up for the big prize at the sell-out event in Edinburgh’s Prestonfield House hotel.
READ MORE: Scottish Politician Of The Year Awards 2024: Full shortlist revealed
First Minister John Swinney has been nominated after taking the reins at the SNP’s following the abrupt and unexpected end of his predecessor’s time in office.
The veteran MSP — who won the award in 2009 — left his semi-retirement on the backbenches to lead a Holyrood group reeling from Humza Yousaf’s exit, the end of the Bute House Agreement and the ongoing police investigation into the party’s finances.
Meanwhile, Ms Forbes also made an unexpected return to frontline politics after accepting an offer from Mr Swinney to be his deputy.
Her decision helped the party avoid what could have been another brutal civil war. Her impact in government has been immediate, with the new administration ditching a number of policies championed by the Yousaf and Sturgeon governments.
A remarkable turnaround from the one won at the last election. The party leader convinced Scots it was time for a change. If he manages to do the same in 2026, he could be Scotland's next First Minister.
Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower said: “This year there has been a lot of political change, but something that has remained the same is ensuring politicians and business leaders work together to achieve a green energy transition – one we’re investing billions of pounds to support.
“The Politician of the Year Awards offers a fantastic opportunity to take stock of the work being done across Scotland by its political leaders and celebrate those who have gone the extra mile to deliver for their people and we’re really looking forward to hearing more from the nominees and winners on the night.”
Allan Barr, the CEO of BIG Partnership, sponsors of the Politics in Business award, said: "Government and business are often seen as worlds apart, yet bridging this gap is about much more than access or influence—it’s about building meaningful relationships that drive growth, create jobs, attract investment, and ultimately improve lives.
“Politicians need better insight, businesses need to communicate more clearly, and we’re here to make that connection a reality. That's why we're pleased to be sponsoring the Politics in Business Award."
Hamish Fraser, the Director of Aiir Networks, sponsors of the Donald Dewar Debater of the Year Award, said: “Again, this year’s nominees highlight the incredible depth of political talent in Scotland, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to those shortlisted for their dedication and contributions to Scottish politics over the past year.
“At Aiir Networks, we are excited to see who will join the ranks of previous outstanding winners and claim the Donald Dewar Debater of the Year Award in 2024.
“Congratulations to all the nominees, and we look forward to celebrating with the winners across every category on the big night.”
Ian Murray MP
Stephen Flynn MP
Wendy Chamberlain MP
Committee MSP of the Year
Audrey Nicoll MSP and Criminal Justice Committee
Jackson Carlaw MSP and Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee
Kenny Gibson MSP and Finance Committee
Donald Dewar Debater of the Year – Supported by Aiir Networks
Humza Yousaf MSP
Ross Greer MSP
Michael Marra MSP
Willie Rennie MSP
One to Watch – Supported by ScottishPower
Kirsty McNeill MP
Harriet Cross MP
Michael Shanks MP
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP
Politics in Business – Supported by Big Partnership
Daniel Johnson MSP
Ivan McKee MSP
Kate Forbes MSP
Community MSP of the Year
Bob Dorris MSP
Jackie Baillie MSP
Jamie Greene MSP
Ross Greer MSP
The ScottishPower Green Champion – Supported by ScottishPower
Lorna Slater MSP
Maurice Golden MSP
Monica Lennon MSP
Public Campaign or Campaigner of the Year
Fornethy Survivors
Inquiry into Emma Caldwell Case
Linda, Stuart and Scott Allan
Scottish Local Politician of the Year
Councillor Allan Casey
Councillor David Alexander, Councillor Colin Davidson, Councillor Alistair Suttie and Councillor Eugene Clarke
Councillor Fiona Hennebry
Councillor Stephen McCabe
Lifetime Achievement
To be announced on the night
Scottish Politician of the Year – Presented by The Herald
Kate Forbes MSP
Anas Sarwar MSP
John Swinney MSP
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