Alex Massie

As matters currently stand, the government’s priorities are to increase public sector pay rather than public sector productivity

Rachel Reeves provided each of Scotland’s three main parties with the ammunition they wanted, leading to a jovial mood at first minister’s questions

Restoring winter fuel payments for all pensioners and increasing public sector pay may help the SNP win votes but it won’t generate growth

The first minister says it’s his duty to deal with the president-elect but that cuts little ice with the Green’s disapproving primary school teacher

The health service is the SNP leader’s greatest challenge for 2025

The left’s proposed reforms such as a lower voting age are self-serving and will fuel distrust of the political mainstream

Neither party is willing to challenge vested interests within the public sector and both think money will always come from somewhere and can be spent twice

The SNP promised to scrap the two-child benefit cap to give it a leg up on Labour, but money is tight as the benefits bill booms

Westminster and Holyrood alike have been found wanting in the face of a string of problems, as bold reforms are abandoned after the tiniest hint of opposition

SNP first minister challenged by Labour and Tories over damning survey revealing nurses’ dissatisfaction with NHS