Holyrood Political Hero of the Year

[LilyHarris]

The Holyrood Political Awards are being held tomorrow night and the shortlisted MSPs for 'Political Hero of the Year' are:

Rachael Hamilton (Conservative)
Ash Regan (SNP)
Michelle Thomson (SNP)

What do these women have in common? Well, interestingly, all three voted against the Gender Recognition Reform Bill, with Ash resigning a ministerial position over it, Michelle having an amendment defeated that would've prevented men changing their gender while awaiting trial for sexual crimes, and Rachael continually highlighting the conflict between women's rights and trans rights.

Not sure who was on the judging panel for this, but I think we could be friends.

Good luck to all three worthy winners!

Wait...no men listed for hero? Not even a nonbinary with a beard? Just real women?

swoons

It would be kinda awesome if whoever wins pulls the other two forward so all three "win" it

Brilliant news

I was a bit scared to open this thread! Good news for once, though.

Who managed to sneak that shortlist through? They deserve an hereditary peerage.

I thought this was going to be more Scottish tomfoolery, but am pleasantly surprised. The tide might to be turning.

Oh, wow!

https://events.holyrood.com/event/holyrood-garden-party-2023/

This has made my evening!

Me too, @DuesToTheDirt ! My heart sank expecting to see the lovely Mhairi or John Nicholson.

That’s actually excellent news.

Amazing. And well deserved.

@Nellieinthebarn Tomfoolery? Shouldn't that be timfoolery?

Mandy Rhodes did this?

fucking brilliant.

The Holyrood awards have form for being based on politician's actual impact which includes standing up for women:

Best Scot at Westminster Award 2921: Joanna Cherry, SNP

Well done to Rachael Hamilton, Ash Regan and Michelle Thomson.

Looking at the link that ArabellaScott posted, I wouldn't say no to raising a🥂 a glass to them at a dinner in Edinburgh's Botantic Garden. I'll just have to do it remotely!

Well, this wasn't the thread I'd dreaded it was going to be!

Wonders will never cease!o

😁

Michelle Thomson won. She acknowledged the other nominees in her acceptance speech and especially highlighted the integrity Ash Regan showed by resigning. Lots of 'what is a woman' references throughout the night from Mandy Rhodes and the comedian host, to mixed reactions.

Fantastic. Love to hear that things were a bit stirred up!

Full list here.

https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,fergus-ewing-named-msp-of-the-year-at-holyrood-garden-party-and-political-awards