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 Anas Sarwar and First Minister Humza Yousaf.

She was recognised for her role in the Rutherglen & Hamilton West by-election 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.

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 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.

“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.”