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Legislation that would allow people to change their gender by self declaration without the need for a medical diagnosis has moved a step closer in Scotland.

General practice hit the headlines this week when the Conservatives promised to deliver 6000 more GPs by 2024-25 as part of a pledge to provide 50 million more appointments in GP surgeries every year.1 The announcement was immediately dismissed as “empty promises” in some quarters,2 given that the government has failed to achieve a very similar pledge made in 2015 for 5000 extra GPs by 2020. In a related pledge, the prime minister, Boris Johnson, announced that, if re-elected, the Conservatives would create a new dedicated “NHS visa” exclusively for skilled staff from overseas who apply to work in the NHS. 6 The royal college and the BMA launched their own election manifestos last week with wish lists for a future government.78 And in Scotland the first minister and Scottish National Party leader, Nicola Sturgeon, announced plans to launch a bill at Westminster that would block any UK government from using the NHS as a “bargaining chip” in any future trade talks after Brexit.9 Away from the campaign trail, NHS England’s chief executive, Simon Stevens, wrote to NHS staff reminding them to avoid “public controversy” during the pre-election purdah.10 Such advice is common for civil servants and public sector managers in election periods, but senior doctors might wonder how it squares with their duty to speak out. 1 Conservative Party.

This paper provides a multidimensional analysis of Nicola Sturgeon’s political leadership during her tenure as Scotland’s first female First Minister. Drawing on leadership theories, it explores her influence on public policy in key areas such as healthcare, education, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and transportation. The study also examines her pivotal role in advancing Scottish independence and how her media presence and electoral strategies shaped public perception. Additionally, the paper introduces the concept of a regional political leader, using Sturgeon’s leadership style and policy decisions as a framework, particularly in the context of Scottish devolution and nationalist movements.

Worst case, or likely case?

The Scottish Government has announced funding for 250 extra school nurses as part of its investment in child and adolescent mental health services.

Labour's decline in Scotland has been one of the central problems facing left politics in recent years. But beyond partisan divisions, there are opportunities for Scottish Labour, if it is willing to seize them.