WELL, the political calendar has certainly shifted toward selection processes and candidate declarations, and it’s a season ripe with much speculation and scrutiny.

With some MSPs declaring their intention to stand again, others stepping down, and many still undecided, but keeping options open, speculation runs rife.

Internal democratic elections often arouse public curiosity, I get it, as it offers a rare glimpse into the internal workings of parties that the public usually wouldn’t see.

We get it more than most, just how unsettling these processes can be, but we also recognise that it’s all part of the system we are in, and democracy must underpin it. We also get how excitable it can make the media, and why curiosity abounds.

Politics, as we all know, can be ruthless and often brutal, and I have often spoken out about my dislike of the “thick skin” comments. If we continually want our politicians to be thick-skinned, we will get thick-skinned politics.

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Sensitivity is a strength, it makes for empathetic politicians, but to have sensitive politicians do we need to change the nature of the game?

Do we miss out on some of the best politicians we could have, due to processes?

You can be sensitive and still bear burdens well, let’s be clear, this isn’t about competency, it’s about the strength of feeling you have, it’s about empathy in decision making.

So many times, I have come across wonderful hard-working community activists who would be the most incredible leaders and bring real change to our political system, but more often than not, they won’t engage with my invitation to get elected, often stating that it isn’t an attractive prospect. They see from the outside how fraught it can be. The online abuse is being commented on mostly.

But I absolutely love my job, and I just know they would find it as rewarding as I do.

How can we sell it when we often only see the sensationalist hostile side?

It is true though, that political battles never truly stop, it’s a never-ending cycle. While we’re busy with our day jobs – helping constituents, crafting policies, championing causes – there are always others working behind the scenes, setting up the pieces for the next contest. It’s a dynamic that can feel unrelenting, even Machiavellian at times.

And yet, it’s the system we’re entrenched in.

This is where we lean into the support networks, the people who see the human. I have been told before in the face of political challenge that “this isn’t personal” … but for me, politics is very personal, and if it isn’t to some, then I would question their rationale for getting involved.

Having stood on a female-only shortlist, I know first-hand how contentious selections can get.

But they have worked.

Through deliberate efforts to promote gender representation, we’ve seen significant gains in electing women to the Scottish Parliament.

As convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities, Human Rights, and Civil Justice Committee, I’m particularly proud that this week we’re scrutinising all political parties’ work to ask how they ensure female representation.

This is one of the Presiding Officer’s gender-sensitive audit recommendations, that this comes to the committee. This evidence session promises to be both fascinating and illuminating. Please tune in!

As I submit my vetting to stand again, I’ve been reflecting on the achievements and priorities that

have defined my time as an MSP so far. My work has always been rooted in advocacy for the people of Banffshire and Buchan Coast. For me, this work isn’t just professional – it’s deeply personal.

Living, working, and raising my family in a rural area has given me a firsthand understanding of the challenges people face daily, from accessing services to creating economic opportunities.

This role is about making life better for folks – not political point-scoring, but real, meaningful action. And quite honestly that’s what drives me to stand for election again.

My office has supported thousands of constituents through street surgeries, public meetings, and one-to-one help. Whether it’s hosting cost of living and winter resilience events or ensuring a safe, welcoming space for those in need, my focus has been on making a real difference in local people’s lives.

It’s ultimately what keeps many of us going in this job. But it’s a double-sided story, with regret that this help is even needed in 2024, it really is a shocking statistic.

With over a decade of Tory austerity and the devastating impact of Brexit on our economy and opportunities, the case for independence has never been clearer.

It’s frustrating to constantly mitigate the harm caused by UK Government policies, as we find ourselves cleaning up after crises not of our making.

This cycle is unsustainable.

We need the power to shape our own future, free from policies that harm our people and communities. Independence offers the chance to build a fairer, more resilient Scotland.

Promoting independence must be front and centre of all our efforts. It’s the ultimate goal that underpins everything we do. Independence is not merely about political ideology, it’s about giving Scotland the tools to take charge of our economy, protect our resources, and shape a future that aligns with our values and aspirations.

It’s about ensuring that decisions about Scotland are made by the people who live here.

This is the foundation upon which we can build a fairer, more prosperous nation. I want to be in the midst of it helping to make that happen, it must be our driving force.

As we work through this selection period, I hope we can do so with a sense of fairness.

Yes, politics can be brutal, but it can also be a force for good. If we work together, we have the power to create a system that’s not just about winning the next contest but about making a lasting transformational difference.

That’s the kind of politics I believe in, and I hope to see moving into the 2026 elections. Where we must put independence front and centre. It’s the hope we all need.