Much has changed this year. Scotland has a new First Minister, and the UK has a new Prime Minister and government.
More change is still to come, with both the Scottish and UK Conservatives looking to replace their leaders as they grapple with the fallout of July’s general election.
The vote saw the SNP lose 38 seats, pushing them into fourth place in the Commons, behind a resurgent Liberal Democrats.
Yet, despite their bad night, support for independence remains steady, showing that while the constitutional question might be off the table, half of Scots still want it asked and answered.
After their historic win, the pressure is now all on Labour. Sir Keir Starmer managed to get the ming vase safely to the other side of the room, but now that he is in No 10, he will need to make some tough choices.
As the campaign for the 2026 Holyrood election begins, will those tough choices feature, or will Scottish voters be looking for more change?
As always, The Herald will lead the debate with brilliant insight, analysis, and opinion.
We will scrutinize and hold to account the governments in Holyrood and Westminster, and we will interrogate those who seek to replace them.
Throughout 2024, we will continue our unparalleled coverage and commentary, both online and in print, and we look forward once again to celebrating those politicians who have made a significant contribution when we hold The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year Awards in association with ScottishPower.
