By Andrew Quinn
A year ago voters went to the polls and chose a Labour Government . The public backed Keir Starmer to become the next Prime Minister of the country after 14 years of Tory rule. It proved to be a decisive victory for Labour – winning a big majority with 411 seats. It was a disaster for the Tories, which had its worst ever election defeat and resulted in Rishi Sunak being booted out of office . In Scotland, it was a poor night for the SNP, who went from 48 seats in 2019 to nine. Labour made huge gains north of the border, going from a single MP in 2019 to 37 last year. Despite having a strong mandate and a large majority, the Labour Government has not had an easy time in office. Just weeks after the election victory Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the Government would be cutting the Winter Fuel Payment for 90 per cent of pensioners. The decision went down like a lead balloon and dogged the Government for months. It was recently forced to reinstate the benefit for most pensioners after the backlash. The Government has brought in some more positive measures, like raising the minimum wage and increasing workers’ rights. It has also managed to secure trade deals with the US, EU and India. But most Scots are yet to feel better off. The polls have not been great for Labour since the election , with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK storming into the lead. In Scotland, the SNP have retaken top spot in the polls, although Labour did manage an upset in the Holyrood by-election for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. What are your thoughts on the Labour Government? Do you think it has done well so far? Or do you think Keir Starmer’s first year in office has gone badly? Tell us what you think in the survey below. To sign up to the Daily R ecord Politics newsletter, click here