AS a quarter of MSPs prepare to abandon Holyrood and AI-generated candidates emerge, the author exposes how both major parties have retreated into managerialism and triviality while the public faces real economic hardship.

Since their election last July, Scottish Labour’s 37 MPs have struggled to distinguish themselves from their southern colleagues. With the notable exception of Brian Leishman — whose ongoing struggle to save the Grangemouth oil refinery has won plaudits from across the political spectrum — the group has fallen into line behind Keir Starmer. Consistent opinion polls predict that most will lose their seats at the next election. By any measure, they are floundering.

Last month, Blair McDougall MP — the former Better Together campaign director — launched an attempt to correct this trajectory. His “Shrinkflation Labelling Bill” will make it illegal to sell “shrunken” Easter eggs without warning shoppers.