NICOLA STURGEON was accused of running out of ideas as she launched her Programme for Government this week. “Based on this programme, this government’s sell-by date is well passed,” Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said.

Still, there’s at one idea she’s been offered on a plate that it seems she won’t touch with a bargepole. The Scottish government has instead doubled down in its defence of hugely unpopular tests for Primary 1 children.

The blueprint for standardised exams has managed to unite all opposition parties and teacher unions in the belief they will be completely useless. At First Minister’s Questions this week, Sturgeon refused to rule out pushing ahead with the tests even if MSPs vote against them.

It’s hard to believe this is the same politician who has made “listening” a key part of her rhetoric since taking office.