John Swinney named MSP of the Year at Holyrood Political Awards

First Minister John Swinney has been named MSP of the Year at the annual Holyrood Garden Party and Political Awards.

Swinney, who was shortlisted alongside Lib Dem Willie Rennie and Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson, was recognised for reuniting the SNP during a turbulent period in its history and leading the party to its fifth straight election victory.

The first minister was among those in attendance from across Scottish politics at the event which took place at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Swinney, 62, was on the backbenches when he became leader of the SNP following the resignation of Humza Yousaf.

He claimed to have “healed” his party after leading it through a tumultuous period marked by a bitter leadership contest following the departure of Nicola Sturgeon and Operation Branchform, which led to former chief executive Peter Murrell being jailed for embezzling over £400,000 from the party.

Other winners include newly elected SNP MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad who picked up the One to Watch award and former SNP MSP Ruth Maguire, who the judges recognised for her ability to hold her own government to account.

Former Tory MSP Liz Smith won the Speech of the Year category for her valedictory on the importance of the Scottish Parliament.

And Lord McFall, a former Labour MP and Lord Speaker, won the Lifetime Achievement award, which was presented to him by Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle.

Holyrood managing director Mandy Rhodes: “The Holyrood Garden Party and Political Awards has long been a highlight of the Scottish political calendar and this year’s event was no different.

“The judges recognised First Minister John Swinney for the huge impact he has had on turning his party around since taking up the reins in 2024.

“But there was also a recognition of the talent across the parties and across the parliament, with a number of new MSPs having already caught the eye.”

She added: “I’d like to thank all our sponsors. We look forward to holding another successful event next year.”

The full list of winners is as follows:

MSP of the Year 

John Swinney  

Local Champion 

Paul Sweeney  

Political Staffer of the Year 

Bill Caven  

Backbencher of the Year 

Ruth Maguire 

One to Watch 

Hannah Mary Goodlad 

Political Hero of the Year 

Bob Doris          

Parliamentary Patter Merchant of the Year 

George Adam 

The Powering Change Award 

Education Committee (Session 6) convener: Douglas Ross 

Speech of the Year 

Liz Smith 

Best Scot at Westminster 

Richard Baker 

Open All Hours Award 

David Torrance 

The Business of Politics Award 

Russell Findlay 

 Green Giant Award 

Alex Cole-Hamilton 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Lord McFall of Alcluith