The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year Awards recognises those Politicians who have played a key role in shaping events both at a local and national level in Scotland.
2018 saw the Scottish Politician Awards move into its 20th year as it continues to be the highlight of the Politician calendar. The evening is enjoyed by elected officials, key decision makers, commentators and opinion formers who all come together to find out the results of the through judging process which celebrates their efforts across a range of categories.
The Awards took place on Thursday November 22nd, 2018 at the Prestonfield House, Edinburgh. A full shortlist of our finalists and winners can be found below along with event images and a short video to show you the highlights of the evening.
For more information on the 2019 awards please contact Event Director, Lyndsay Wilson on 0141 302 7407 or email Lyndsay.Wilson@heraldandtimes.co.uk
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CATEGORIES
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: Alison Thewliss (SNP)
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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: Kezia Dugdale (Lab)
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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: Alex Neil (SNP)
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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.
Last year’s winner: Andy Wightman (Green, Lothians)
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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: Monica Lennon (Lab)
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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 (Con)
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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: Ruth Davidson (Con)
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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.
To put forward suggestions into this award please email Lyndsay Wilson, Events Director at Lyndsay.wilson@heraldandtimes.co.uk Please do so by the deadline of : Thursday, September 13, 2018
Last year’s winner: Amanda Kopel : Frank’s Law
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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: Jenny Laing (Lab)
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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.
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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: Ruth Davidson (Con)
2018 SHORTLIST & WINNERS
Best Scot at Westminster – Supported by Virgin Trains
- Ian Blackford MP
- Jo Swinson MP
- Paul Sweeney MP – Winner
Donald Dewar Debater of the Year – Supported by NVT Group
- Jackie Baillie MSP
- John Swinney MSP
- Michael Russell MSP – Winner
- Willie Rennie MSP
One to Watch – Supported by ScottishPower
- Kate Forbes MSP – Winner
- Liam Kerr MSP
- Ross Greer MSP
Committee MSP of the Year
- Alex Neil MSP, Public Audit
- Bruce Crawford MSP, Finance and Constitution Committee – Winner
- Jenny Marra MSP, Public Audit
Community MSP of the Year
- Anas Sarwar MSP – Winner
- Jenny Marra MSP
- Neil Findlay MSP
- Richard Lochhead MSP
Politics in Business – Supported by Royal Bank of Scotland
- Fergus Ewing MSP
- Murdo Fraser MSP – Winner
- Ruth Davidson MSP
E-politician of the Year
- Humza Yousaf MSP
- Jo Swinson MP
- Nicola Sturgeon MSP – Winner
Public Campaign or Campaigner of the Year
- Fans Against Criminalisation
- Gillian Murray – Winner
- Scottish Women’s Aid
Scottish Local Politician of the Year – Supported by Openreach
- Councillor Adam McVey, SNP, leader of City of Edinburgh Council
- Councillor Alison Evison, Labour, COSLA President
- Councillor John Alexander, SNP, leader of Dundee City Council – Winner
- Councillor Stephen McCabe, Labour leader of Inverclyde
Scottish Politician of the Year – Presented by The Herald
- Jeane Freeman MSP – Winner
- Michael Russell MSP
- Ruth Davidson MSP
SPONSORSHIP
The Herald Politician of the Year Awards provides a national platform to bring people together to promote high standards of political performance and foster constructive relationships between the worlds of politics and business.
The event offers a comprehensive long term marketing campaign which confirms your strong commitment to Scotland’s business and political landscape.
The Herald welcomes the opportunity to work in partnership with a variety of organisations to promote and grow these important national awards.
SUPPORT
For more information on the sponsorship packages available, please contact, Events Director, Lyndsay Wilson on 0141 302 7407 or Lyndsay.wilson@heraldandtimes.co.uk
Category sponsorships of The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year Awards 2018 offer a unique opportunity to associate your organisation with the leading political and business event in Scotland and offers your organisation:
FACE TO FACE CONTACT – with key decision makers.
FLEXIBILITY – long term and tactical media activity.
EXCLUSIVITY – entertain key clients in a relaxed, informed and unique environment.
ACHIEVE TIGHTER TARGETING – build & deepen a relationship with your desired audience segment and key business and political figures.
