Another party that failed to make an impact in 2023 were the Scottish LibDems – it was very much business (and not very much of it) as usual for Alex Cole-Hamilton’s party.
The party had a decent 2022, performing well in local elections, but with just four MSPs, it has barely had a chance to do anything meaningful at Holyrood.
That could change next year as Liam McArthur’s attempts to introduce assisted dying legislation will be pushed forward.
It is unclear whether enough MSPs will support the principle of assisted dying, but suggestions south of the Border that Sir Keir Starmer could open up plans in England and Wales could shift the debate.
Mr Yousaf has suggested he opposes assisted dying, but it is unclear whether enough MSPs will back the plans in a vote of conscience.
Mr Cole-Hamilton and his small band of LibDems have attempted to hold the Scottish Government to account on a range of issues this year including a lack of mental health and long Covid support and funding, as well as sewage dumping.
The party also put the fears over Raac in schools and other public buildings on the agenda, raising concerns and obtaining information about the issue.
At a UK level, the LibDems have taken a handful of key by-election victories over the Conservatives, who appear to be too toxic even for parts of middle England.
And the focus will very much be on the general election and whether the party can reclaim third place back from the SNP.
Mr Cole-Hamilton ended the year by hitting headlines for voting remotely at Holyrood from the bar – quite a LibDem thing to do – a bit daft but ultimately harmless.
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