Anas Sarwar named MSP of the Year at Holyrood Garden Party & Political Awards

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has been named MSP of the Year at this year’s Holyrood Garden Party and Political Awards, with former deputy first minister Lord Wallace of Tankerness taking home the Lifetime Achievement gong.

Hosted by comedian Matt Forde, the event, which took place at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden last night, also honoured SNP MSP Michelle Thomson, who was named Backbencher of the Year, and Tory MSP Liz Smith, who picked up the Political Hero award for her work campaigning on behalf of the victims of disgraced surgeon Sam Eljamel.

Sarwar, who saw his party dramatically increase its number of Scottish MPs at the general election, beat Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and Green MSP Gillian Mackay to the MSP of the Year accolade.

The judges said Sarwar had overseen a dramatic revival in his party’s fortunes in Scotland, while continuing to put pressure on the Scottish Government at Holyrood.

Mandy Rhodes, managing director of Holyrood Communications, said: “The Holyrood Garden Party and Political Awards is firmly established on the Scottish political calendar and an important recognition of the valuable work done by those in public life.

Former deputy first minister Jim Wallace was given the Lifetime Achievement Award | Andrew Perry

“Our judging panel was impressed by the quality of candidates across Scotland’s political parties but felt Anas Sarwar had been the standout performer at Holyrood this year.

“I’d like to thank all our sponsors and look forward to welcoming everyone back next year for the Holyrood Garden Party and Political Awards 2025.”

Other winners included former Scottish Conservatives leader Jackson Carlaw for Speaker of the Year and Lib Dem MP Wendy Chamberlain, who picked up the Best Scot at Westminster award.

Scottish Tory leadership contender Russell Findlay, who yesterday received the endorsement of former leader Ruth Davidson, won the One to Watch award.

The full list of winners is:

MSP of the Year (in association with Coca Cola European Partners) 

Anas Sarwar MSP 

Tweet of the Day (in association with True North)

Murdo Fraser MSP 

Political Staffer of the Year (in association with the Association for Project Management)

Adele Black (staffer for Rhoda Grant MSP) 

Backbencher of the Year (in association with Stromar)

Michelle Thomson MSP 

One to Watch (in association with Thistle Wind Partners)

Russell Findlay MSP 

Political Hero of the Year (in association with Diageo)

Liz Smith MSP 

Flushable Motion of the Year (in association with Scottish Water)

Kevin Stewart MSP 

The Powering Change Award (in association with SSE)

Rural Affairs and Islands Committee 

Speaker of the Year (in association with Muir Mhòr Offshore Wind Farm)

Jackson Carlaw MSP 

Best Scot at Westminster (in association with Chivas)

Wendy Chamberlain MP 

Open All Hours Award (in association with Scottish Grocers’ Federation) 

Ivan McKee MSP 

The Business of Politics Award (in association with Scotch Whisky Association) 

Daniel Johnson MSP, Anas Sarwar MSP, and Michael Marra MSP 

Green Giant Award (in association with Electricity System Operator)

Sarah Boyack MSP 

Lifetime Achievement Award (in association with Royal Bank of Scotland)

Lord Wallace of Tankerness