The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year Awards

Best Scot at Westminster – Supported by Virgin Trains

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.

Last year’s winner:  Paul Sweeney MP

Donald Dewar Debater of the Year – Supported NVT Group

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.

Last year’s winner: Michael Russell MSP

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.

Last year’s winner:  Bruce Crawford MSP, Finance and Constitution Committee

Community MSP of the Year – Supported by Scottish Grocers Federation

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.

Last year’s winner: Anas Sarwar MSP

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.

Last year’s winner: Kate Forbes MSP

Politics in Business Award – Supported by The Royal Bank of Scotland

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

Last year’s winner: Murdo Fraser MSP

E-Politician

This award will recognise an MSP or MP who has successfully used digital communication channels (twitter, facebook, blogs) to connect and interact with both the public and media in a meaningfully way.

Last year’s winner: Nicola Sturgeon MSP

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.

Last year’s winner:  Gillian Murray

Scottish Local Politician of the Year – Supported by openreach

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.

Last year’s winner: Councillor John Alexander, SNP, leader of Dundee City Council

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

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

Last year’s winner: Jeane Freeman MSP