John Mason is delighted to see that Nicola Sturgeon has topped the SNP’s regional list vote for Glasgow. The rankings were announced today and once again Nicola has come out top.

John reckons that Nicola has been superb as Deputy First Minister as well as in the various other roles she has fulfilled since the Scottish Parliament was reconvened in 1999. He says, “During the Glasgow East campaigns in 2008 and 2010 I was frequently in Nicola’s company out and about meeting voters. Almost invariably she is warmly received. And she can certainly handle difficult voters with tact and diplomacy! On a personal basis she has been very supportive of me and I am grateful for that.”

It is also good to see Humza Yousaf at number 2, making him very likely to become an MSP. This was the slot so ably filled in 2007 by Bashir Ahmed, Scotland’s first ethnic minority MSP. Humza is in the next generation and is extremely able and articulate. He will appeal to voters of all backgrounds and ages.

Bob Doris and Sandra White complete the top four. Both have worked very hard in the Scottish Parliament and will be an asset when they return in future.

However, having winners mean there have to be losers. Current MSPs Bill Kidd and Anne McLaughlin are placed at 7 and 8 on the list making it less likely they will be elected. This is disappointing as they have both been hard workers and have taken up many worthwhile causes. Hopefully they will do well in the constituencies where they are standing.

Of course, nowhere on the list is John Mason. That’s because he aims to win the Shettleston constituency!