Elections for party leaderships can be uncomfortable affairs. I remember just how bruising they can be from experience of the 2023 SNP contest.

When you’re employed by the party, watching those who will effectively be your next boss publicly knocking lumps out of each other is unsettling even if it’s sometimes an unavoidable part of the process.

It’s a bit like watching your parents bickering. Regardless of who’s right or wrong, you just want it to stop.

I liked and admired both Humza Yousaf and Kate Forbes, so seeing them personally go ballistic on each other in hustings was a difficult watch when you know that every criticism will be regurgitated forever by rival parties no matter which contender comes out on top.

And it was always going to be either Humza or Kate who would win. I’m still amazed Ash Regan allowed herself to be used by the rival party she would subsequently join. Her candidacy was a doomed attempted coup by the then Alba leadership. Fortunately, the SNP membership recognised it for what it was.

So, I currently harbour a modicum of sympathy for Labour in Scotland as they elect yet another leader. Not too much sympathy, mind, given the glee........

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