Labour backbencher Brian Leishman in running for Scottish MP of the Year

An outspoken Labour backbencher who criticised the government’s failure to save the Grangemouth oil refinery is in the running to be named Scottish MP of the year.

Brian Leishman, MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, is up against Lib Dem veteran Alistair Carmichael and energy minister Michael Shanks.

Being held for the first time next month, the MP Awards are part of Holyrood’s Showcasing Scotland event at Westminster, marking a year since the general election. The event provide a platform for Scottish businesses to engage with politicians and seeks to build cross-party relationships among the new intake of Scottish MPs and peers.

Leishman, a former golf professional, has won plaudits for his willingness to question and criticise the government over both Grangemouth and the decision to scrap the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners.

Carmichael, who was first elected in 2001, has impressed as chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.

Shanks, a former secondary school teacher who was elected in a 2023 by-election, has been a polished performer as energy minister, despite his relative inexperience.

Other categories include One to Watch where former political journalist Torcuil Crichton, the Labour MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, is up against Conservative Harriet Cross and Lib Dem Angus MacDonald.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn is shortlisted in the Speaker category alongside Labour’s Blair McDougall and Katrina Murray.

Holyrood managing director Mandy Rhodes said: “Scotland is lucky to be represented by some of the most talented people at Westminster. These awards are an attempt to recognise the strength of our parliamentarians and help build cross-party connections that benefit all of us regardless of party allegiances.

“Our Showcasing Scotland events have been a huge success at Westminster. I look forward to another enjoyable evening in July.”

The full lists of award nominees is as follows:

MP of the Year

Brian Leishman

Alistair Carmichael

Michael Shanks

One to Watch

Torcuil Crichton

Harriet Cross

Angus MacDonald

Speech / Speaker

Stephen Flynn

Blair McDougall

Katrina Murray

Business MP of the year

Alistair Carmichael

Kirsty McNeill

Michael Shanks

Scottish Peer of the Year

Lord McFall of Alcluith, John McFall

Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, George Robertson

Baroness Smith of Cluny, Catherine Smith

Braveheart

Torcuil Crichton

Dave Doogan

Brian Leishman