In what has undoubtedly been a tumultuous year for Scottish politics , there will be no shortage of nominees for this year's Scottish Politician of the Year 2024 awards, a prestigious event which is always a highlight of the country's political calendar. The Herald today launches the Scottish Politician of the Year Awards 2024 in association with ScottishPower and sponsored by Big Partnership, our annual recognition and celebration of public servants in Holyrood, Westminster, and town halls across the country. There has been significant change in the last 12 months.
Scotland has a new First Minister, and the UK has a new Prime Minister and a new government. But many challenges remain the same: the cost of living crisis, tight budgets, and the continued strain on public services in the wake of the pandemic. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce a raft of tax hikes and spending cuts when she delivers her first budget at the end of October.
Despite stronger-than-expected growth in the first half of the year, the Labour frontbencher says the Tories have left a substantial black hole in the public finances—a charge her predecessor denies. Traditionally, a new Chancellor tries to get the bad news out of the way in their first budget to give them some space before the next general election . But in Scotland, Labour does not have the luxury of another four years before voters get to judge them on their record.
The 2026 Scottish Parliament election is looming, and the cam.