Jackie Baillie has reacted to the ‘unexpected honour’ of being named the Herald’s Scottish Politician of the Year.

At a ceremony last night at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh, she took the honour having been nominated alongside Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar and First Minister Humza Yousaf.

She was recognised for steering the revival of the Scottish Labour Party and her role in the Rutherglen & Hamilton West by-election. She was also recognised her role as Scottish Labour’s Health Spokesperson and her forensic scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s management of the health service particularly on A&E waiting times and plans for a National Care Service.

She was the first Labour woman to win the coveted title since former minister Margaret Curran almost 20 years ago.

Meanwhile the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Lord John McFall of Alcluith who played a key role as chair of the Commons Treasury Select Committee in the wake of the bankers bonus scandal and is now Lord Speaker of the House of Lords.

The Dumbarton constituency MSP said: “This is a completely unexpected honour. Politics is a team game so thank you to my constituents, my staff and my family for their support. None of this would be possible without my Scottish Labour colleagues and Anas Sarwar. This award is also for them.

“This has been a year unlike any other with a new First Minister, countless political scandals and a by-election that caused a political earthquake.

“The victory in the Rutherglen & Hamilton West by-election for Labour is backed up by encouraging polls but we are not complacent and will work hard for each and every vote

“Scottish Labour is back in business and I will continue to do all I can to stand up for the people of my constituency and deliver the change the country so desperately needs.

“I was delighted that Lord McFall was also recognised for his hard work winning the Lifetime Achievement Award which capped off a wonderful night for Dumbarton.”