All this weekend, Anas Sarwar MSP gets to experience the thrill of Scottish Labour’s annual conference. Among friends and comrades. Mostly. What could possibly spoil his contentment? After all, he is the reigning Herald Scottish Politician of the Year, commended for his leadership, sagacity and robust performances in questioning the First Minister. There is no substantive challenge to his stewardship of the people’s party at Holyrood. He is widely regarded by political chums and opponents alike as a success in the job.

So what might disturb his sangfroid? I asked one of his senior colleagues at Holyrood. The answer? “The biggest problem for us is the UK Labour Government.” Contemplate that for a moment.

After 14 long years, Labour finally returned to Westminster power last July. Surely the party should simply “rejoice” – as another Prime Minister counselled in very different circumstances. Up to a point.

Anas Sarwar remains adamant that the lives of people in Scotland, across the UK, are being improved. If pressed, he would point to such initiatives as enhanced workers’ rights. Right now, though, people are not feeling it in their homes, at their work. And Labour is feeling the hit in the polls, which signal a sharp decline in support since those heady days in July.

Why? Labour Holyrood insiders point to the problem. Deeply unpopular decisions by the Chancellor, starting with the limitations placed on the winter fuel allowance. One told me: “She looked like some kind of economic manager with not an ounce of politics in her.”

Read more by Brian Taylor

Pensioners, I was told, tend to bear grudges –........

© Herald Scotland