Podcast appearances and mentions of calum macdonald

Sir Keir Starmer has announced he is standing down as Prime Minister. In this emergency episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, political strategist Jo Tanner, and former No. 10 deputy policy chief James Nation take you inside the room for one of the most shocking days in modern Westminster history.How did Starmer's authority evaporate just two years into his premiership? From the catastrophic fallout of the budget and the Mandelson affair to the historic Makerfield by-election victory, we break down exactly why the game was up for Starmer.Plus, we look at the incredible visuals of Andy Burnham's arrival in Westminster. With over 200 Labour MPs rushing to be in his selfie, power has officially shifted. Is a Burnham coronation inevitable? What does a Burnham government mean for the economy, devolution, and the markets? And what is it actually like inside Number 10 when a Prime Minister resigns?If you want to stay inside politics at Westminster, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button and turn on notifications! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The overnight by-election results are in, and Scottish politics has been turned completely on its head! In this bonus episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver break down a seismic night that saw the Scottish Conservatives secure a historic victory in Aberdeen South—their first by-election win since 1973.The panel dives into how Douglas Lumsden and Kemi Badenoch "dictated the terms" of the campaign by going all-in on oil and gas, leaving John Swinney's SNP facing a brutal wake-up call over their muddled energy policy. We also look at the internal SNP friction exploding on X/Twitter between Stephen Flynn and Kate Higgins.Plus, we head south to Makerfield where Andy Burnham's massive 55% win has triggered what looks like an inevitable, high-stakes Labour leadership battle with a defiant Sir Keir Starmer. Is Starmer completely delusional, or can he survive a battle of ideas?

The social media ban for under-16s is officially here - but can government actually enforce it? In Episode 102 of the health and politics podcast, Prevention is the new cure, former Health Ministers Steve Brine and James Bethell dive into Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's landmark announcement. From the technical realities of age verification to the political motivations behind the ban, they break down what this means for parents, tech giants like Meta and TikTok, and the future of public health.Plus, a massive game-changer in the obesity crisis: the MHRA has approved the UK's first oral GLP-1 tablet (Wegovy pill) for weight loss. Will a daily tablet shift our public psychology away from "medicalised" injections and into a mass-rollout era? James also reports live from the HLTH conference in Amsterdam on the massive health innovation class divide, what the US-based "MAHA" (Make America Healthy Again) movement gets right about food policy, and why an NHS cybersecurity breach is a matter of clinical patient safety—not just an IT glitch.

The Tartan Army takes over Boston, a knife-edge by-election battle in Aberdeen South, and a potential Labour coronation looming in Makerfield. In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver dive into a massive week of political drama across Scotland and the wider UK. Fresh off his travels to see Scotland play Haiti at the 2026 World Cup, Geoff gives an insider look at Scotland's massive "soft power" and how it ties into John Swinney's economic push in the US.Then, the team unpacks this week's critical Westminster by-elections. In Aberdeen South, Stephen Flynn's old constituency is turning into an absolute two-horse race between the SNP and the Scottish Conservatives—where energy policy, the oil and gas sector, and the rise of Reform UK could entirely dictate the outcome. Meanwhile, is Arbroath and Broughty Ferry a guaranteed SNP hold despite ongoing party turmoil?Finally, we head south to Makerfield, where Andy Burnham is dicing with political destiny. If Burnham wins, are we heading for a bloody leadership battle against Keir Starmer, or an outright coronation? And what does a potential Burnham premiership mean for Scottish devolution and fiscal autonomy?Follow Holyrood Sources on X/Twitter: @HolyroodSources#ScottishPolitics #HolyroodSources #AndyBurnham #KeirStarmer #SNP #ScottishConservatives #AberdeenSouth #MakerfieldByElection #WorldCup2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Whitehall Sources special, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner and James Nation are joined by Adam Dunlop (CEO of Carents) and Dr. Jackie Gray (Carents Founder) to pull back the curtain on the UK's adult carer crisis. They dive deep into the economic, emotional, and structural battles facing 4 million adult children in the UK today. Over 70% of carents are forced to leave the workforce or downplay their responsibilities due to societal stigma and broken local systems. We look at why Whitehall continues to fight over cash while ignoring the integrations that could save the UK economy billions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, James Nation and Jo Tanner react to the breaking news that John Healey has resigned as Cabinet Secretary. In a bombshell revelation, Healey's resignation letter claimed that the government has been unwilling to “commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country”. What does this shock announcement mean for UK politics and for Keir Starmer's crumbling premiership?Is there a chance that Healey himself will run for leader? Is Britain actually becoming more unsafe and is the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) currently untenable? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Scottish Parliament is running, but is it actually getting anything done? In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver dive into a massive week for Scottish politics.As Scottish Labour forces a vote on a parliamentary inquiry into Peter Murrell's embezzlement from the SNP, First Minister John Swinney faces intense pressure over his handling of the situation. Should he have brought in a KC to clean house, or is he right to treat it as "case closed"? We break down the constitutional battle brewing as Westminster's Scottish Affairs Committee threatens to step in.Plus, we expose a glaring economic contradiction at the heart of the Scottish Government: debating wealth taxes one week and demanding economic growth the next. We also react to a brilliant, straight-talking 6-point listener manifesto for the SNP, debate the failure of elected committee conveners, and unpack the transport chaos plaguing Scotland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner and James Nation discuss a week in UK politics that was dominated by only one story.The tragic murder of 18-year-old student Henry Novak and the subsequent release of harrowing police bodycam footage has sparked political reaction from party leaders, police men and women and members of the public. Calum, Jo and James discuss the tragedy and the political fallout: has this led to a serious discussion on "two-tier policing" rhetoric? Does it need to? ... and how are political leaders are navigating the tragic murder of Henry? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, joins former Health Ministers Steve Brine and James Bethell inside the Department of Health for our landmark 100th episode.Sir Chris breaks down the data behind the prostate cancer screening decision, why 45% of dementia cases can be delayed, the truth about childhood obesity and air pollution.In this special episode we sit down with the Government's Chief Medical Officer to tackle the science of uncertainty. From his pivotal role in the Tobacco and Vapes Act to the rise of localised air pollution from wood-burning stoves in urban environments, Sir Chris Whitty shares a masterclass on individual vs. societal risk. We also explore the future of the treatments over the next 20 years, including the revolutionary impacts of cancer immunotherapy, RNA vaccines, and AI diagnostics.A co-production by Calum Macdonald at Shortbread Media, and George Cooper at Footwork Media.--WhatsApp us: 0333 404 6507Email: hello@preventionisthenewcure.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver record live from The Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh at the Scotland 2050 Conference.The conference brings together people from the world of business, politics and civic society to discuss Scotland's long term potential.Former First Minister Lord Jack McConnell, Scottish Lib-Dem Leader Alex Cole-Hamilton and Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform Ivan McKee join Calum and Andy. They discuss where the country sits after the 2026 Scottish Parliament election and how politicians can start to look at the big picture.Is Scotland in need of total public service reform?Will Peter Murrell's guilty plea hurt Scottish politics in the long term, and would a parliamentary inquiry help?How does the new cabinet balance providing high quality public services whilst maintaining the Scottish economy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner and James Nation dive into another week of political drama. We dissect Sir Tony Blair's explosive 5,700-word essay critiquing the current administration's lack of a coherent plan for a fast-changing world. Why has Downing Street stayed completely silent and Is Starmer's stubborn leadership style costing the party its grip on power?We also break down former Health Secretary Alan Milburn's damning new report on the youth unemployment crisis. With over 1 million young people now classified as NEETs (Not in Employment, Education, or Training), the team exposes the structural red tape, apprenticeship failures, and mental health challenges pushing young Brits out of entry-level jobs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver break down a bombshell week in Scottish politics.Peter Murrell has pleaded guilty to embezzlement from the SNP. What does this mean for the party, The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon and trust in politics in general?John Swinney has also appointed his new Scottish Cabinet, was his new slimmed down top team the right way to go?How will Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins perform in their new Holyrood roles.How will Ivan McKee do after being promoted to Cabinet Secretary for Public Service reform? You can listen to our 2025 interview with him here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1EO5bkEpwRRPpjnYeOL81I?si=-YP5RgaGSAKtH_d3RoVaMQAnd what does Tony Blair's intervention this week mean for the UK Labour Party, is it time to start listening to the former Prime Minister? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner, and James Nation pull back the curtain on another busy week at Westminster. After Andy Burnham was confirmed as Prime Minister, are the government now in crisis mode and will anything they do increase their approval ratings? Also on the show today: Why did the UK quietly loosen sanctions on refined Russian oil and diesel behind Europe's back? We break down the late-night technical notice that left ministers fumbling for answers.Bridget Phillipson called criticism of a social media video with Gemma Collins "snobbery," but why did the Department for Education's collaboration with her leave Special Educational Needs (SEND) parents and campaigners absolutely furious?Rachel Reeves announces a summer VAT holiday on theme parks, cinemas, and zoos while the government fights off rumours of supermarket food price caps. Is this smart cost-of-living policy or sheer desperation?And a brutal text exchange between Jonny Reynolds and suspended Labour MP Karl Turner goes viral on X. Is this sending completely the wrong message on mental health? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special edition of Stormont Sources, Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver from the Whitehall Sources and Holyrood Sources podcasts join David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan to discuss how the results of the Welsh, Scottish and English elections will impact the UK as a whole and Northern Ireland. What will 3 nationalist First Ministers do for the state of the union... and is that statistic misleading? Where do Reform UK lie after an excellent night of resultsCan Keir Starmer survive as Prime Minister? Stormont Sources is the place to hear all about politics and policy making in Northern Ireland. . Join journalist, David McCann, plus Tim Cairns, a former Special Advisor to First Minister Peter Robinson and Head of Policy for the DUP and Micheal McKernan, a former Special Advisor in the SDLP who worked in the Northern Ireland Executive from 2007-2016.Whitehall Sources brings you insider coverage of Westminster, and Senedd Sources takes you inside politics in Wales. Subscribe to all four podcasts on YouTube and your podcast app to never miss a moment from across UK politics. ---Subscribe to our mailing list at holyroodsources.comEmail us with thoughts, questions and your own analysis: hello@holyroodsources.comDrop us a Voice Note or WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special edition of Stormont Sources, Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver from the Whitehall Sources and Holyrood Sources podcasts join David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan to discuss how the results of the Welsh, Scottish and English elections will impact the UK as a whole and Northern Ireland.What will 3 nationalist First Ministers do for the state of the union... and is that statistic misleading?Where do Reform UK lie after an excellent night of resultsCan Keir Starmer survive as Prime Minister?Stormont Sources is the place to hear all about politics and policy making in Northern Ireland. . Join journalist, David McCann, plus Tim Cairns, a former Special Advisor to First Minister Peter Robinson and Head of Policy for the DUP and Micheal McKernan, a former Special Advisor in the SDLP who worked in the Northern Ireland Executive from 2007-2016.Holyrood Sources covers everything from the Scottish Parliament, and Senedd Sources takes you inside politics in Wales.Subscribe to all four podcasts on YouTube and your podcast app to never miss a moment from across UK politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver analyse the results of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election and what comes next for Scottish politics. The Prime Minister and the First Minister are set to meet next month, will talks lead to a second independence referendum? Will Keir Starmer even be in office to meet John Swinney? They also discuss the SNP Leader's post-election meetings with political parties, and his refusal to meet with Reform. hHas he shot himself in the foot politically?, and how should the other parties approach these meetings?Calum, Geoff and Andy also take a look at your post-election questions as the picture of the next five years of Scottish politics starts to become clear.---Subscribe to our mailing list at holyroodsources.comEmail us with thoughts, questions and your own analysis: hello@holyroodsources.comDrop us a Voice Note or WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The votes are in, and the map of Scotland has been redrawn. Join the Holyrood Sources team for a deep-dive into the 2026 Scottish Parliament election results.In this special episode, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to the First Minister Alex Salmond), and Andy Maciver (former Scottish Conservative Director of Communications) break down a historic night at Holyrood. The Reform UK Surge: How did Malcolm Offord's party become a major force in the Scottish Parliament?The Pro-Independence Majority: With the Scottish Greens seeing significant gains, how will the SNP-Green dynamic work in this new session?Labour and Tory Losses: Analysis of a difficult night for Anas Sarwar and Russell Findlay as the political center ground shifts.What Happens Next? From coalition talks to the future of the Union, we provide the "inside track" analysis you won't get anywhere else.Holyrood Sources brings you political commentary from those who have lived it. No spin, just the reality of how power works in Scotland.Join the Conversation.Follow us on X/Twitter @HolyroodSources#ScottishElection2026 #Holyrood #SNP #ScottishPolitics #ReformUK #JohnSwinney #AnasSarwar #ScotlandResults #HolyroodSources** The Holyrood Sources podcast brings the best analysis of Scottish politics with those who have lived it as Special Advisers, and those who are current and former politicians and political party leaders. Join Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Former Chief of Staff to First Minister Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (Former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives).Subscribe nowApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/holyrood-sources/id1673972192Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fj3emmRONEr8aSkhcMgoH?si=789c7874034340c6---Subscribe to our mailing list at holyroodsources.comEmail us with thoughts, questions and your own analysis: hello@holyroodsources.comDrop us a Voice Note or WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK political landscape has just been permanently altered. In this emergency episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner and James Nation deconstruct a seismic set of local election results.From Labour losing power in Wales for the first time in history to Reform UK gaining over 1,400 councillors, the "two-party system" is under fire. We analyse:The Welsh Upset: Why the First Minister lost her seat and what it means for the Union.The Reform Surge: How Farage's party is putting down roots from Essex to Hartlepool.Starmer's "New" Old Guard: The shocking return of Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman. Is Keir Starmer too weak for a reshuffle?The 2026 Midterms: Are we looking at a permanent fracturing of British politics? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James joins from the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills this week and the guys unpack five "states of mind" currently dominating the global health and politics landscape. From China's surging dominance in biopharma innovation to the sobering reality of the failed resource shift toward prevention, this episode is a wake-up call for Western policy makers.In this episode, we discuss:The China Reckoning: How Jiangsu Hengrui overtook AstraZeneca and what it means for UK/US national security.The AI "Crash": Why 90% of AI startups may fail and what the "Middle of AI" looks like.The MHRA's New Vision: Insights from Lawrence Tallon on digital technology and international reciprocity.US Politics & Health: Will Dr. Oz replace RFK Jr. in the American health landscape?The "Pre-loading" Debate: Should airport alcohol sales be banned?Connect with us:

It's the day before the 2026 Scottish Parliament election! This episode of Holyrood Sources looks back at the campaign.Calum Macdonald is joined by Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver to analyse the latest polling trends, what's really happening beneath the headline numbers,Is SNP support as solid as it seems?Why the list vote could be the real danger zone for the SNPThe rise of Reform UK — protest vote or lasting force?Are Labour and the Conservatives heading for historic lows?We also revisit the defining moments of the campaign — from fiery debate clashes to the surreal whisky tariff saga — and ask whether any of it has actually cut through with voters.And in a special segment, journalism student Logan Smith puts the team on the spot with questions about Reform UK, the future of conservatism in Scotland, and what comes next for Scottish politics.With low turnout expected and tight margins across the board, could results night deliver some major surprises?Don't miss our LIVE results stream from outside the Scottish Parliament, Friday at 7pm.---Subscribe to our mailing list at holyroodsources.comEmail us with thoughts, questions and your own analysis: hello@holyroodsources.comDrop us a Voice Note or WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside the "Pandemic" of Antisemitism: A Whitehall Sources Special.In this week's episode, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner, and James Nation reflect on a harrowing week in London following the antisemitic stabbings in Golders Green. With the UK threat level raised to "severe," the team investigates whether the political response is one of genuine solidarity or mere opportunism.We are joined by Lord Stuart Polak, Honorary President of Conservative Friends of Israel, for a candid discussion on government leadership, the "normalisation" of hatred, and the controversial role of pro-Palestine marches in incubating antisemitism.Plus, with the May 2026 local elections just days away, we look at the fragmented political landscape. Will Keir Starmer face a leadership challenge? Can the government survive a catastrophic set of results?In this episode:The Golders Green Attack: Analysing the human and political fallout.Lord Stuart Polak: Why the government is failing to lead on community safety.The Policing Debate: Should pro-Palestine marches be restricted to static protests?Election Countdown: What the results in Scotland, Wales, and England will reveal about a "fragmented" Britain.Follow Whitehall Sources:

Is Scotland facing a political stalemate? In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver, with just ONE WEEK to go until polling day, explore the possible outcomes of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. Is it certain that John Swinney will return to Bute House?, or could Anas Sarwar, even Malcolm Offord, relying on Reform's hidden vote somehow seize power? They also dive into the "Scunner factor"— continuing their thoughts on voter apathy from last week, could this lead to a record-low turnout? ---Subscribe to our mailing list at holyroodsources.comEmail us with thoughts, questions and your own analysis: hello@holyroodsources.comDrop us a Voice Note or WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner, and James Nation dissect the "week from hell" for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.Following explosive testimony from former Foreign Office Head Sir Olly Robbins, the team explores allegations of "constant and dismissive pressure" from the Prime Minister's inner circle to bypass security vetting for Lord Mandelson's Washington appointment. We look ahead to next week's high-stakes evidence from Sir Philip Barton and Morgan McSweeney, and ask the ultimate question: With the local elections just two weeks away, is Keir Starmer still in control of his government?Later, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt from the Political Business podcast and part of the team from London Decides 2026, joins Calum, Jo and James to look ahead to the London elections, with just two-weeks to go! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Holyrood Sources team is back to break down a week of political name-calling, tactical blunders, and Westminster turmoil.In this episode, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to the First Minister), and Andy Maciver (former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives) dive into the "immature" state of the current election campaign. From Anas Sarwar and Graham Simpson's public spats to John Swinney's decision to skip the BBC Question Time leaders' debate, the team asks: where are the big ideas?We also analyse the "terminal" situation for Sir Keir Starmer at Westminster. With Ollie Robbins sacked and Cabinet ministers struggling to defend the Prime Minister, is Starmer being held "hostage" by his own colleagues until May 7th?In this episode:The "Pathetic" Campaign: Why the focus on deals and name-calling is failing Scottish voters.SNP's Food Price Cap: Is the cap on food prices a "gimmick" or a strategic masterstroke?The Starmer Crisis: Analysing the dismissal of Olly Robbins and the silence of the Labour Cabinet.John Swinney's Debate Absence: Is the First Minister "running scared" or making a tactical calculation?Follow Holyrood Sources:✉️ Email: hello@holyroodsources.com

In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner, and NEW FULL-TIME HOST, former No. 10 policy deputy James Nation react to the breaking news of yet another scandal involving former U.S. ambassador Peter Mandelson. Mid-recording, the team reacts to the bombshell report that Peter Mandelson failed his security vetting, only for the decision to be overruled by the Foreign Office. Did Keir Starmer mislead Parliament? Who knew what, and when?Also on the show: With Wes Streeting calling for more defence spending and Lord Robertson warning that Britain is "underinsured," the panel explores the Treasury's secret "stack"—the spreadsheet that controls the country's finances. Can the government find billions for the military without gutting the welfare budget? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver dive into the most heated moment of the campaign so far: the Channel 4 leaders' debate. We break down the explosive exchange between Scottish Labour's Anas Sarwar and Reform UK's Malcolm Offord, and ask if the alleged "backroom deal" has any basis in reality.In this episode:The Debate Fallout: Was the Sarwar-Offord clash a turning point or just "petulent nonsense"?Polling Deep Dive: We analyse the latest YouGov MRP poll—is an SNP majority of 67 seats actually possible?Manifesto Week: Breaking down the key pledges from Scottish Labour and the Scottish Greens.The "Battle Bus" Myth: Geoff reveals why you rarely see leaders actually traveling on their branded buses.Listener Questions: From the UK's counter-argument for independence to the journey of a barrel of North Sea oil.---Subscribe to our mailing list at holyroodsources.comEmail us with thoughts, questions and your own analysis: hello@holyroodsources.comDrop us a Voice Note or WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a ceasefire in the Middle East teeters on the edge, Prime Minister Keir Starmer heads to the Gulf. But is this a diplomatic masterstroke or a "smoothing over exercise" after the UK was left on the back foot by Donald Trump?In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald is joined by political strategist Jo Tanner and former Number 10 advisor James Nation to pull back the curtain on:The Strait of Hormuz: Why this narrow stretch of water is the "core of the crisis" for UK diesel, fertilizer, and energy prices.The Starmer Reset: Did the UK fail its Gulf allies during the US offensive strikes?The "Nerd Threshold": James Nation explains the specific law that stops Rachel Reeves from holding an "Emergency Budget"—and why a 10p fuel duty cut is the big political battleground.The July Price Cap: Is the Treasury's "wait and see" approach a gamble with the hospitality and travel sectors? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver take you inside the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary election. We analyse the newest IPSOS Scottish Political Monitor results with Mark McGeoghegan, exploring why the Reform UK vote is the ultimate "spoiler" for Labour and the Conservatives.Calum, Geoff and Andy also reflect on Holyrood Sources: The Interviews, which you can listen back to or watch on YouTube now! We look at the u-turn that made the political headlines and ask which of the party leaders stood out on the night. The guys also tackle the big policy and election headlines of the week:Energy: The Treasury's refusal to scrap the windfall tax despite a £17.5B investment offer.Manifestos: Russell Findlay's vision for the Scottish Tories.Infrastructure: John Swinney's £10M island business fund vs. the ongoing CalMac ferry crisis.Connect with us:

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton joins Holyrood Sources: The Interviews in Edinburgh to tackle the "Ferry Fiasco," the NHS crisis, and the future of the Union. Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver discuss with him: The Caledonian MacBrayne ferry fiasco. Does Scottish politics have a central belt bias? What does it mean to be a Liberal Democrat today? Why he would resign before supporting Swinney or Reform. Sponsored by: The Scotch Whisky Association's "Made to be Measured" campaign.Subscribe for more interviews with Scotland's party leaders!** The Holyrood Sources podcast brings the best analysis of Scottish politics with those who have lived it as Special Advisers, and those who are current and former politicians and political party leaders. Join Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Former Chief of Staff to First Minister Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (Former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives).Subscribe nowApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/holyrood-sources/id1673972192Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fj3emmRONEr8aSkhcMgoH?si=789c7874034340c6---Subscribe to our mailing list at holyroodsources.comEmail us with thoughts, questions and your own analysis: hello@holyroodsources.comDrop us a Voice Note or WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has Russell Findlay conceded defeat already? What can his party offer going into the election? In this special edition of 'The Interviews' from Holyrood Sources, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives Russell Findlay speaks to Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver in Edinburgh. "common-sense" vision for the 2026 election. From the rise of Reform UK to the 14-year legacy of the UK party. In this episode: The Reform Threat: Why Findlay calls Reform UK "soft on the Union."Alternative Government: Why the Tories are focusing on stopping an SNP majority rather than the First Minister's office.The "Badenoch Factor": How the relationship with Kemi Badenoch is changing the Scottish campaign.Working with the SNP: Would the Tories ever vote with John Swinney?Sponsored by: The Scotch Whisky Association's "Made to be Measured" campaign.** The Holyrood Sources podcast brings the best analysis of Scottish politics with those who have lived it as Special Advisers, and those who are current and former politicians and political party leaders. Join Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Former Chief of Staff to First Minister Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (Former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives).Subscribe nowApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/holyrood-sources/id1673972192Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fj3emmRONEr8aSkhcMgoH?si=789c7874034340c6---Subscribe to our mailing list at holyroodsources.comEmail us with thoughts, questions and your own analysis: hello@holyroodsources.comDrop us a Voice Note or WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is John Swinney the right person to lead Scotland after May 7th?

On the final day of the parliamentary term, the Holyrood Sources team (Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver) head outside the Scottish Parliament to capture the raw emotions of outgoing and campaigning MSPs.As Scotland prepares for the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election, we sit down with key figures from across the political spectrum to discuss the SNP's record, the potential for a Labour minority government, and the "scourge factor" of the polls.In this episode, we explore:Ivan McKee (SNP) on the "unarguable" case for an independence referendum and the metrics for success.Fergus Ewing (Independent) on why he left the SNP after 50 years and his "iceberg" warning for the current government.Monica Lennon (Labour) on the "toxic" atmosphere of the chamber and reaching "abandoned" voters.The Reform UK Factor: How Nigel Farage's party is influencing the strategy of the Scottish Conservatives and the SNP alike.---Subscribe to our mailing list at holyroodsources.comEmail us with thoughts, questions and your own analysis: hello@holyroodsources.comDrop us a Voice Note or WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Ed Miliband actually the most powerful man in the UK government?

Is Ed Miliband actually the most powerful man in the UK government?

Is Holyrood broken? On the final day of the parliamentary session, the Holyrood Sources team (Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver) are LIVE from outside the Scottish Parliament.As 42 MSPs prepare to walk out of these doors for the last time, we speak to the politicians left standing. From the "Tory Trinity" to the SNP's internal shifts and the growing shadow of Reform UK, this episode dives into the fractious nature of the last session and what the "long campaign" means for your pocketbook.Key Topics Covered:The Energy Crisis: Why the North Sea is the ultimate political football.The Reform Threat: Will the next parliament be the "Wild West"?Legacy vs. Reality: Has Holyrood become too distant from the people?The 1999 Club: Who is left from the original parliament?Featured Guests: Brian Whittle (Con), Michelle Thompson (SNP), Marie Todd (SNP), Emma Roddick (SNP), Megan Gallacher (Con), Jackson Carlaw (Con), Murdo Fraser (Con), and Graham Simpson (Reform).---Subscribe to our mailing list at holyroodsources.comEmail us with thoughts, questions and your own analysis: hello@holyroodsources.comDrop us a Voice Note or WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald and Jo Tanner dive into the sudden turmoil hitting the energy markets. With oil and gas prices jumping to four-year highs following escalations between Israel, Iran, and the US, what does this mean for your back pocket?RSM UK Chief Economist Thomas Pugh joins the show to explain the "K-shaped" recovery, the truth about UK gas storage, and why those predicted interest rate cuts have suddenly vanished. Plus, we discuss the controversial new data-harvesting tactics from Nigel Farage and Reform UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver are joined by The Scotsman's Catriona Stewart and former headteacher Carole Ford to dissect the "abysmal" data surrounding Scottish attainment. From the "opaque" Curriculum for Excellence to the 43% of pupils now identified with Additional Support Needs (ASN), we ask: Is the system sustainable?We are also joined by Thomas Robertson, teacher at Saint Andrews RC Secondary School and Janine Leonard from StandUK, a charity that supports autistic and neurodivergent children , who add their own perspectives from within the industry.They ask:Why is it nearly impossible for parents to see how schools are performing?Has the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) hollowed out real learning?Why 43% of pupils have 'additional support needs'Will any party be brave enough for radical reform?Connect with us:

On today's episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Andy Maciver and Geoff Aberdein break down another week of Scottish politics and reflect on the continued fighting in the Middle East. They discuss the global energy crisis and the impact of the Strait of Hormuz disruption and debate the future of North Sea oil and gas policyPolitical scientist Ailsa Henderson joins the podcast to explain the latest polling trends from the Scottish Election Study ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. She suggests how the SNP have managed to maintain popularity for so long and whether the UK Conservatives can learn anything from the downfall of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada in the 1990s. This episode is also the first in our series of election candidate interviews. Calum, Andy and Geoff meet three of the candidates who the podcast will follow through the election campaign. They are joined by Lloyd Melville from the SNP, Isla McCay from Labour and Sanne Dijkstra-Downie from the Liberal Democrats. Connect with us:

On today's episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald and Jo Tanner reflect to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East following US action against Iran. They also react to the news that a British military base in Cyprus was attacked by a drone strike, and the fact that a British warship designated to patrol Cyprus waters is set to take 8 days to reach the Mediterranean island.Calum and Jo are joined by former No.10 policy advisor in the Sunak administration, James Nation as they discuss all this alongside The Chancellor of the Exchequer's Spring Statement.They will ask:Is Britain truly ready for conflict?Has underinvestment in defence left the UK exposed?Will oil prices push energy bills higher again?Later in the episode Calum and Jo are joined by psychotherapist Lucy Beresford to discuss the psychology behind the headlines, in a particularly uncertain time. They'll discuss the science of emotion behind politics. 

On this episode of the Holyrood Sources Podcast, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver unpack the ongoing situation in Iran and across the Middle East from a Scottish perspective. They are joined by Dr Siavush Randjbar-Daemi, Lecturer at The University of St Andrews, to discuss: Whether the Iranian regime can survive the assassination of its Supreme LeaderHow the UK government is responding — and whether Starmer is being “nimble” enoughThe implications for Scottish politics and First Minister John SwinneyLater in the show they break down the latest major poll ahead of the Scottish Parliament election, Mark McGeoghegan from Ipsos, joins the show. The SNP hold firm but Labour is up four points and Reform UK seem to have slipped back slightly. Calum, Geoff and Andy discuss the implications of this and ask whether Scotland is moving back towards left-right politics rather than the constitutional question. Connect with us:

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources Podcast, Calum Macdonald and political strategist Jo Tanner break down one of the most unpredictable by-elections in recent years — a potential three-way fight between Labour, Reform, and the Greens in Gorton and Denton. Calum and Jo are joined by Scarlett McGuire, founder of Merlin Strategy, to break down the political implications of the vote. They discuss the political make up of the constituency, how tactical voting could sway the vote and whether the first-past-the-post electoral system will be able to cope with up to 6 major parties in play in different parts of the UK. If you want to find out more about the candidates for the Gorton and Denton by-election, taking place on Thursday 26th February, follow this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crkrpgvkd0noCalum and Jo also discuss that Good Morning Britain spat between Martin Lewis and Kemi Badenoch and ask if the current student loan system is in fact a 'debt trap'. Connect with us:

On this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver discuss a brand new MRP poll which suggests that the Scottish National Party (SNP) could win an outright majority at Holyrood — something not seen since 2011 under Alex Salmond.Calum, Geoff and Andy also consider the future of the Additional Member System, whether Holyrood needs reform, and what Denmark's energy U-turn means for the North Sea debate.We're also joined by Shona Haslam from Logos Scotland, to discuss Christians in Scotland's views ahead of the election. In this episode of Holyrood Sources, we break down:

Youth unemployment in the UK has reached a decade high of 15.3%. With nearly one million young people now classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), the "Whitehall Sources" team dives deep into why the system is failing and how one entrepreneur turned the worst-performing school in Derbyshire into a blueprint for national success.In this episode, Calum Macdonald and Jo Tanner are joined by business journalist Ruth Sunderland and entrepreneur Christopher Nieper. They discuss the human cost of the NEET crisis, the "scandal" of forgotten towns, and why the UK education system needs to stop being an "exam factory" and start focusing on employability.In this episode, we explore:Why the number of NEETs has surged 50% in just five years.The incredible story of the David Nieper Academy and its "zero NEET" achievement.Why businesses are hesitant to hire young people (and the rising costs of doing so).The "Skills Tax Incentive": A solution that could gain the Treasury £23 billion.The impact of mobile phone bans and mental health resilience in schools.Connect with us:

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver dive into the latest bombshell polling that shows a record low for Scottish Labour and a stunning breakthrough for Reform UK. With the Scottish election looming, can Anas Sarwar distance himself from a struggling Keir Starmer, or is the SNP set to dominate once again?What we discuss:The Sarwar vs. Starmer Rift: 52% of Scots support Sarwar's call for Starmer to resign—but will it save Labour at the polls?The Reform UK Surge: Analyzing the projection of 22 seats for Nigel Farage's party in Scotland.The IFS Warning: Is Scotland's "free stuff" culture sustainable? We discuss the looming cuts to tuition and prescriptions.Business in Crisis: A listener's warning on business rates and the risk of mass redundancies before May.The Islands Forum Scrapped: Why has the UK government axed a key link for Scotland's island communities?Connect with us:

Keir Starmer is facing the most serious political crisis of his leadership as the Mandelson scandal sends shockwaves through Downing Street. Senior figures are resigning, Labour MPs are restless, and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar's dramatic intervention has exposed deep fractures inside the party.In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald and Jo Tanner are joined by former Downing Street Director of Communications James Lyons to break down:Why Morgan McSweeney and Tim Allen's resignations matterThe growing fallout from the Mandelson filesHow the Sarwar speech changed the political weatherWhether Starmer ends the week stronger — or just survivingWhy this scandal is cutting through with voters in a way others don'tWhat this means for upcoming elections and Labour's futureIs this Westminster chaos — or a moment that could reshape British politics?

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver dissect further fallout from Anas Sarwar's dramatic calls for Keir Starmer to resign. Now the dust has settled we break down the political implications and potential outcomes heading into the Scottish Parliament election.Was this a failed coup? A bold strategic move? Or the beginning of a fundamental split between Scottish Labour and Westminster?Why did Sarwar make his move against Starmer now and will John Swinney and the SNP be able to exploit the fallout?We also remember former Scottish Health Secretary, Jeane Freeman, who passed away this week at the age of 72.And stay tuned until the end of today's episode to hear your questions answered. Calum, Geoff and Andy discuss citizen's assemblies in Scotland, exploiting Scotland's wind energy potentially and whether or not the mainstream media is unfair towards Reform UK.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign — and the political fallout could reshape the Holyrood election.In this special Holyrood Sources episode, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver break down a day of extraordinary political drama.

Keir Starmer's premiership is facing its most dangerous moment yet.In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald and political strategist Jo Tanner are joined by former No.10 Director of Communications Guto Harri to break down the political firestorm surrounding Peter Mandelson, the release of potentially 100,000 government documents, and the growing pressure inside Labour for heads to roll.Starmer has apologised for “believing Mandelson's lies” during the vetting process for his appointment as US Ambassador — but did that admission make things worse? Is Morgan McSweeney now the only “sacrificial lamb” left? And what actually happens inside Downing Street when a Prime Minister is under siege?Guto takes us behind the black door of No.10 to explain:The bunker mentality that forms in political crisesHow leadership collapses really unfoldWhy losing senior advisers can be fatalThe psychological toll of governing under scandalWe also explore whether this is just another Westminster storm — or the moment that could define (or end) Starmer's leadership.Is this Labour's Partygate moment? Or something bigger? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, we remember Scotland's first Deputy First Minister, Jim Wallace as Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver are joined by former Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Tavish Scott to discuss Jim's political career and legacy.Before that, this episode also discusses reports that the Scottish Greens will stand aside in most constituency seats, giving the SNP a clear run — and whether this could boost John Swinney's chances of an outright majority. Andy and Geoff also examine the growing impact of Reform UK, and why they may be the SNP's biggest unintended ally.The panel also reacts to Anas Sarwar's pledge to ban trans women from female prisons, exploring Labour's U-turns on gender policy and the risks for the Scottish Government as a court challenge unfolds.Later, Calum speaks to Chris Herd, founder of Firstbase, who explains why he had to leave Scotland for the US to build a nine-figure tech company — and what Scotland must change to stop the flight of talent and capital.

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources Podcast, Calum Macdonald and political strategist Jo Tanner are joined by Ian Williams, former foreign correspondent in Beijing and Moscow and author of Vampire State: The Rise and Fall of the Chinese Economy, to unpack what Starmer's visit really means for UK–China relations, national security, and Britain's fragile economy.We explore:Whether China actually has anything to offer the UK economicallyThe risks of Chinese investment in critical infrastructureLessons (and failures) from Huawei and previous UK–China dealsHow the US — and Donald Trump — may respondWhether China has reached “peak China” economicallyThe realities of surveillance, espionage, and diplomacy in BeijingCalum and Jo also discuss the fallout from Andy Burnham's blocked bid to run for Parliament and Controversy surrounding a social media released by the Labour Party.