Podcasts about Holyrood

The SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, MP for Aberdeen South, joins Lucy Dunn for a special episode to assess the place of the SNP in British politics as we approach the end of 2025. The SNP were ‘decimated' to just nine MPs at the 2024 general election – yet, if polls are to be believed, they are on course for another record win in the 2026 Holyrood elections. But can the SNP really frame this election as a ‘fresh start'?Flynn explains what he made of the ‘bleak fallout' of 2024, why he is standing for election to Holyrood next year and what he makes of SNP heavyweights such as John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon. Plus, could a push for a second independence referendum be on the cards soon?Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, MP for Aberdeen South, joins Lucy Dunn for a special episode to assess the place of the SNP in British politics as we approach the end of 2025. The SNP were ‘decimated' to just nine MPs at the 2024 general election – yet, if polls are to be believed, they are on course for another record win in the 2026 Holyrood elections. But can the SNP really frame this election as a ‘fresh start'?Flynn explains what he made of the ‘bleak fallout' of 2024, why he is standing for election to Holyrood next year and what he makes of SNP heavyweights such as John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon. Plus, could a push for a second independence referendum be on the cards soon?Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Pam Duncan Glancy Labour MSP to quit Holyrood over links to sex offender More than 800 migrants cross English Channel in December record US reportedly pursuing third oil tanker linked to Venezuela In pictures Druids descend on Stonehenge to mark winter solstice Epidural kit shortage could last until March, regulator says Kings Foundation chair and nominee peer admits misleading doctorate claim Puppy farm and trail hunt ban promised in animal welfare strategy A memorial ends but Bondi tragedy has left Australia reeling, again At least 13 photos removed from Justice Department released Epstein files Israel approves 19 new settlements in occupied West Bank

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv At least 13 photos removed from Justice Department released Epstein files A memorial ends but Bondi tragedy has left Australia reeling, again Pam Duncan Glancy Labour MSP to quit Holyrood over links to sex offender Puppy farm and trail hunt ban promised in animal welfare strategy Israel approves 19 new settlements in occupied West Bank More than 800 migrants cross English Channel in December record Epidural kit shortage could last until March, regulator says US reportedly pursuing third oil tanker linked to Venezuela In pictures Druids descend on Stonehenge to mark winter solstice Kings Foundation chair and nominee peer admits misleading doctorate claim

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv US reportedly pursuing third oil tanker linked to Venezuela At least 13 photos removed from Justice Department released Epstein files Israel approves 19 new settlements in occupied West Bank Pam Duncan Glancy Labour MSP to quit Holyrood over links to sex offender More than 800 migrants cross English Channel in December record Puppy farm and trail hunt ban promised in animal welfare strategy A memorial ends but Bondi tragedy has left Australia reeling, again In pictures Druids descend on Stonehenge to mark winter solstice Epidural kit shortage could last until March, regulator says Kings Foundation chair and nominee peer admits misleading doctorate claim

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Kings Foundation chair and nominee peer admits misleading doctorate claim US reportedly pursuing third oil tanker linked to Venezuela At least 13 photos removed from Justice Department released Epstein files Epidural kit shortage could last until March, regulator says Israel approves 19 new settlements in occupied West Bank In pictures Druids descend on Stonehenge to mark winter solstice More than 800 migrants cross English Channel in December record Puppy farm and trail hunt ban promised in animal welfare strategy Pam Duncan Glancy Labour MSP to quit Holyrood over links to sex offender A memorial ends but Bondi tragedy has left Australia reeling, again

Reform UK is rising in Scotland — but can the political system cope with what comes next?From tribunal chaos to ministerial pressure and a volatile pre-election landscape, this week exposed deep fault lines at Holyrood.In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver to unpack a turbulent week in Scottish politics. They assess Reform UK's momentum, Malcolm Offord's challenges, and why broadcasters and parties alike are struggling to respond.The panel also examines Angela Constance's survival of a no-confidence vote, the growing controversy around the Sandy Peggie tribunal ruling — including questions over errors and credibility — and a blistering debate on resident doctors, strikes, and the NHS. With elections looming, the discussion reveals why trust, competence, and clarity are becoming the real political battlegrounds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ordinary Elite is a Scottish podcast brought to you from Glasgow by John McGovern and Mike Dailly. Both are Solicitor Advocates - John a criminal defence lawyer and Mike a civil litigation practitioner and social justice campaigner. In our 12th episode of Season 4, we're joined by Dean M Thomson, a lecturer in logic and philosophy with Beijing Normal - Hong Kong Baptist University, United International College (UIC). Dean has written an essay entitled, "Why Labour Hates Juries: The Unmanageable Heart of English Liberty". We examine Labour's longstanding desire to abolish trial by jury in England and Wales - which is also an issue that many MSPs at Holyrood appear to favour too. We ask why do our politicians hate juries?

Join Daily Record Politics Editor Paul Hutcheon, Scottish Daily Express Editor Ben Borland, Sunday Mail Editor John Ferguson and Daily Record Chief Live News Reporter Ruth Suter as they bring pick apart a busy year of politics in 2025. Daily Record Homepage: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/ Daily Record Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheScottishDailyRecord Daily Record Instagram: https://instagram.com/scottishdailyrecord Daily Record Sport Instagram: https://instagram.com/dailyrecord_sport Daily Record TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scottishdailyrecord Daily Record Sport TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dailyrecord_sport Daily Record Twitter: https://twitter.com/Daily_Record Daily Record Newsletters: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/newsletter-preference-centre/ Join our WhatsApp communities here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages: DAILY RECORD: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/join-daily-records-whatsapp-community-31116469 RECORD SPORT RANGERS: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/join-record-sports-new-rangers-31111892 RECORD SPORT CELTIC: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/join-record-sports-new-celtic-31111589 You can get all the latest news, sport, showbiz and comment at DailyRecord.co.uk LIKE | COMMENT | SUBSCRIBE | SHARE #DailyRecord #politics #scotland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us, and potentially beat us, in our comprehensive quiz tour of hyper local and random international political highs and lows. Were you paying attention to the regional list for Mid Scotland and Fife at Holyrood? Do you know how many times John Swinney said “independence” in a speech? Did you follow the Holyrood dog of the year competition? And are you aware of the prime minister of a country called Australia? If so, this is the quiz for you. Play along and join us again in the new year as we gear up for the Scottish election in May.

The Spectator heads into Christmas a little bit less Scottish as we bid farewell to our political correspondent Lucy Dunn. Before Lucy leaves for STV, she joins Coffee House Shots – with fellow Scots Michael Simmons and Labour MP Gordon McKee – for one final episode reflecting on the state of Scottish politics. They discuss whether the SNP has stabilised Scottish politics this year, make predictions for what could happen at the 2026 Holyrood elections and ponder whether the Scottish influence in Westminster has grown stronger under Starmer. Plus, from Reform to the SNP – how new is the threat of populism in Scotland?Produced by Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Spectator heads into Christmas a little bit less Scottish as we bid farewell to our political correspondent Lucy Dunn. Before Lucy leaves for STV, she joins Coffee House Shots – with fellow Scots Michael Simmons and Labour MP Gordon McKee – for one final episode reflecting on the state of Scottish politics. They discuss whether the SNP has stabilised Scottish politics this year, make predictions for what could happen at the 2026 Holyrood elections and ponder whether the Scottish influence in Westminster has grown stronger under Starmer. Plus, from Reform to the SNP – how new is the threat of populism in Scotland?Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A major new Ipsos poll drops — and the implications for Holyrood 2026 are huge. The SNP hold a stable lead. Labour has fallen sharply. Reform UK has surged into second place in the constituency vote, fuelled by the rise of immigration as a top concern for Scottish voters.• Why Reform UK is gaining Scottish voters from both Labour and the Conservatives • How immigration became a top-three issue in Scottish politics • Why the SNP vote remains “sticky” • Labour's worsening poll numbers after Keir Starmer's difficult months • The Greens' highly effective regional-vote strategy • Whether Reform has reached its ceiling in Scotland • What demographic groups are driving Reform's riseWe also speak to Mark McGeoghegan of Ipsos, who analyses the polling in depth — approval ratings, demographic breakdowns, voting-intention shifts, and how Scottish voters feel about taxation and public spending.And later: an interview with Michael Matheson, the outgoing SNP MSP, and former Transport Secretary. Will the A9 ever be fully dualled? Has the Scottish Government failed on delivery? Matheson responds.Finally, we react to your messages about Malcolm Offord's defection to Reform UK, including whether he boosts their credibility, fundraising and appeal — or whether he's tied to rhetoric that will hurt the party in Scotland.

This morning Kemi Badenoch has staged a presser setting out the terms for a new (alternative) national grooming gangs inquiry – a move that has reopened wounds for many survivors and intensified criticism of Labour's handling of the existing process. What will this mean for the government, for survivors, and for the political fight ahead?Meanwhile in Scotland, the defection of former Scotland Office minister Lord Offord to Reform UK has sent shockwaves through the Scottish Conservatives – and raised fresh questions about the balance of power ahead of the Holyrood elections. Could Reform genuinely challenge Labour for second place? And how worried should Scottish Labour be as scandals continue to mount?Plus, Labour Together – the McSweeney-linked think tank which basically put Keir in power – has turned on the PM and is reportedly canvassing members on who they'd prefer as an alternative to Keir Starmer. Is he now in more danger than Kemi?James Heale is joined by Lucy Dunn and Tim Shipman to discuss a tumultuous week in Westminster and beyond.Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElory. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with the amazing Carol Gilmour, an artist, activist, and proud committee member of Tourette's Scotland. We first met Carol through the group Artists for Indy, when she generously donated a set of her stunning paintings to the Indy Art Exhibition, a fantastic event which will be featured in a later podcast episode. Each artist nominated a charity to benefit from the proceeds—and Carol chose Tourette's Scotland. But that's not all… Carol also appears in the hit film I Swear, which just happened to be top of the UK box office the very weekend we recorded and was also the subject of a Scottish Parliament debate at Holyrood!

The fallout from Rachel Reeves' first Labour budget has dominated Scottish politics — and in this episode of Holyrood Sources, recorded live in Malone's Pub in Edinburgh, we unpack the political chaos, the polling shockwaves, and what it all means for the 2026 Holyrood election.This episode previews our live Christmas special and pub quiz, and dives into budget politics, polling trends, and party strategy across the UK.

Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon is joined by Daily Record Head of News Mark Smith and Scottish Express Editor Borland on the Planet Holyrood podcast to discuss Keir Starmer's potential trip to Scotland, the effect of Labour's budget on the upcoming Scottish election and address the calls for a Scottish grooming gang inquiry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In CI News this week: Health Secretary Wes Streeting is urged to abandon plans for a puberty-blocker trial for children, Northern Ireland's Education Minister emphasises that a recent Supreme Court ruling will not impact the Christian ethos of schools, and ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine' is revealed as Britain's favourite school hymn. You can download the video via this link. Featured stories Govt under pressure to scrap puberty blocker experiment on children NI Education Minister to safeguard ‘Christian ethos' following RE ruling Holyrood's controversial assisted suicide Bill moves towards to final stage ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine' voted nation's favourite school assembly hymn Christian Institute Chairman Revd Dr Richard Turnbull promoted to glory

Alistair Grant, David Bol and Catriona Stewart discuss the UK Budget and what it means for Scotland, as well as the impact on Scottish Labour heading into the Holyrood election in May. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the podcast we examine how Budget 2025 reshapes the university funding model – from the international levy and modest new maintenance grants, to confirmed tuition fee uplifts and changes to pension tax arrangements that will affect institutional costs. We discuss what the package tells us about the government's approach to public finances, the politics of international recruitment, and the sustainability of cross-subsidy in a tight fiscal environment for higher education.Plus we discuss research and innovation announcements and get across debate in Holyrood on the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill.With Ken Sloan, Vice-Chancellor and CEO at Harper Adams University, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.Budget 2025 for universities and studentsUniversities now need to be much clearer about the total cost of a courseStudent finance changes in the budget – Director's cutReclassification ghosts and jam tomorrow at stage 2 of Scotland's tertiary billA government running out of road still sets the economic weather for higher educationA change in approach means research may never be the same again

Around 20,000 Scots children are set to be lifted out of poverty after the Chancellor scrapped the “heinous” two child benefit cap. MPs were also told an extra £820 million will be allocated to Scotland under the Budget plans. Low-carbon technologies in Grangemouth, where Scotland's last oil refinery closed earlier this year, will receive £14 million backing, pension contributions above an annual £2,000 threshold will no longer be exempt from national insurance from April 2029 and a hike in duties paid by online gambling firms will raise an extra £1 billion for the Treasury. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the past year, politicians in Westminster and Holyrood have taken active steps towards implementing assisted suicide laws in the UK. In the plenary from this year's CMF Resident Doctors Conference, Dr Susan Marriott (CMF's Head of Public Policy) surveys the political landscape and considers what the coming years could hold. How, she asks, can Christian resident doctors and other Christian health professionals shine for Christ as this debate unfolds and into whatever lies ahead?She is joined in a Q&A session by CMF CEO Dr Mark Pickering and the main speaker at this year's conference, Dr Paul Coulter. You can find more of CMF's resources on the topic at cmf.li/AssistedSuicideResourcesSupport the show

“We were given a space… and in there we were allowed to develop a voice.”   We chat with Afam and Justine from Commission Advocating Rights for Minorities (CARM).   CARM worked with the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee to test what a truly participatory approach to human rights budgeting could look like. Their lived experience shaped the scrutiny process, influenced MSPs directly, and helped reframe how the Committee thinks about voice and accountability.   Members of CARM worked with the Committee exploring participation and accountability in Scotland's budget. They composed questions for Ministers, co-designed scrutiny themes, and helped MSPs hear lived experience in people's own words.   In this episode, Afam and Justine explain what that work involved, why the experience mattered, and how the framework they helped shape is now influencing organisations beyond Holyrood.

ANAS Sarwar has urged people to vote Labour in Scotland, even if they don't like Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves.In an exclusive GB News interview Mr Sarwar said he backed the Prime Minister, while admitting "things need to improve". But he said the upcoming Holyrood elections were not about the PM or the Chancellor: they were about the future of Scotland.And Mr Sarwar believes, despite the state of the polls, Labour will go on to win and depose the SNP after nearly two years in power, saying they'd mirror the fight shown by the Scottish football team.He also spoke out to praise the Home Secretary commending the way she is tackling the immigration crisis.Asked about Labour's election chances he told Ms De Piero: “In six months' time, the choice is not going to be about who the UK Labour government is.“The choice is not going to be about who the Prime Minister is. Keir Starmer is not standing to be First Minister. Rachel Reeves is not standing to be First Minister. Nigel Farage is not standing to be First Minister. Me and John Swinney are standing to be First Minister.“And the choice that people have in that election in six months is, do we have a third decade of the SNP in charge with record long NHS waiting lists, our schools falling down the international league tables, billions of pounds of lost and wasted money and the priorities and, for example, the cultural issues that the SNP continue to pursue, or are we going to take a different direction with me as First Minister?“That's the choice, and I'm really confident when that choice is put in front of people in Scotland, they'll vote for that new direction. “So we're kind of like the Scotland team qualifying for the World Cup. The underdog, always talked down but got over the line and made history, qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. Labour is going to do the same, winning for the first time in 20 years in Scotland.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The panel discuss the latest issues from across the Scottish political spectrum and beyond. this week the panel discuss Scotland's incredible World Cup qualification win and assess whether politivians are jumping on the football bandwagon. The trio also talk Mossmorran after worrying news broke of the plant's potential closure and preview the results of the COVID Enquiry which could see Nicola Sturgeon back amongst the headlines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can Scotland really become independent by May 2027? At the latest Pensioners for Indy meeting, guest speaker Graeme McCormick laid out his nine-step roadmap to Scottish independence — and sparked a lively, thought-provoking debate. Some in the audience argued that Scotland is a colony. Others insisted that Scots are sovereign. Can both views be true? Graeme says no — and challenges us to think deeply about what independence actually means. The British state claims Scotland is in a voluntary union, yet can't explain how we might voluntarily leave that union. So which is it — a union or a trap? Tune in for a fascinating and fiery discussion about sovereignty, legality, and Scotland's future in (or out of) the UK.

Alistair Grant, Andrew Quinn, Rachel Amery and David Bol discuss the UK Labour Government's internal meltdown - and what it means for the Scottish party, with the Holyrood election just months away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul Hutcheon, Mark Smith and Ben Borland analyse the latest in British politics with an apparent coup launched against Keir Starmer in the run-up to his second Budget, which will appear to break a manifesto commitment and raise income tax. But what will that mean for Scotland? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when Labour breaks its biggest election promise? This week on Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond), and Andy Maciver (former Scottish Conservative comms director) unpack Rachel Reeves' budget gamble — and why it could reshape Scottish politics.We break down:

In this week's eposide we give first reactions to Rachel Reeves' speech outlining all the terrible problems of the UK which land us with some of the highest Governent borrowing costs in the world.  We look at what might lie ahead in the UK budget and discuss how Reform's economic strategies are falling off the edge at a rate of knots with the council they actually run Kent County Council looks set to increase council taxes rather than managing to save money.We also discuss the land reform legislation that was going through Holyrood last week, which seems destined to make no difference whatsoever, except to complicate things even more. All this with a sprinkling of Edinburgh trams, Highland Council's seemingly robust response to SSEN's High Votage Transmission plans, and forays into the US and New York's mayoral election. But we end (before Lesley has to run out the door) with reflections on Scottish cultre and the life of the curator Elspeth King.LinksTacking stitches - The first thing you should do when you buy a new coathttps://www.esquire.com/uk/style/a46500500/tacking-stitch-coat-jacket-vent-men/Elspeth Kinghttps://www.thenational.scot/news/25589816.former-glasgow-peoples-palace-curator-elspeth-king-dies/https://news.stv.tv/west-central/peoples-palace-curator-elspeth-king-on-becoming-the-glasgow-midden-raker - great STV interview with Elspeth King 2022.Land ReformBriefing by Andy Whitemanhttps://andywightman.scot/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/stage_3_briefing.pdfCouncil Tax (not) Reformhttps://www.commonweal.scot/articles/magazine-e2ypeEdinburgh Tramshttps://padfletcher.substack.com/p/edinburgh-council-and-its-tram-extensionPaddy Fletcher piece on economics of new edinburgh tram.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Alistair Grant, David Bol, Rachel Amery and Andrew Quinn discuss the latest rumours and pledges on tax policy north and south of the Border. Plus, Alistair interviews Chris Birt of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation about poverty in Scotland and what the charity wants to see in the party manifestos for Holyrood 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Land Reform Bill is being debated at Holyrood and members of the Scottish Parliament will be voting on what's been described as landmark legislation. If passed, the bill could allow the government to intervene in private land sales and require large estates to be broken up. The proposals are controversial with landowners and some opposition politicians. Defra has announced that an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will come into effect in the north, central and east of England. Poultry keepers with flocks of more than 50 birds will be required to keep their birds housed. The Chief Vet says prompt action is needed to prevent further spread of the disease. Himalayan balsam is an invasive species which proliferates along riverbanks. Its spread has been very hard to control. Could a fungus hold the key to controlling it? Historic man made features that lie on farmland from ancient walls to Roman forts help form the character of our countryside. For farmers however, historic features on their land can often seem like a headache rather than something to celebrate because they need conservation standard maintenance and restoration which is expensive and requires specialist skills. Historic England's ‘Countryside Stewardship Heritage Service' wadvises farmers on how to get funding for this. We visit a farm in Cumbria where a 19th century bridge and an 18th century lime kiln are in need of some tender loving care. Presenter = Caz Graham Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Des and the teams break up the week's big news. Including: the dispute between Holyrood and Westminster over the bill for Trump's visit to Scotland, a heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, changes to some of the nation's favorite biscuits, a new threat to Scotland's green spaces, late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon's visit to Royal Deeside and more. Lead Writer: Elaine Malcolmson Additional material: Chris Ballard, Jennifer Walker, Barry Dunstall, Archie Keen, Nathan Cowley, Gregor Paton, Mike Shephard, Cooper Mawhinney Sweryt, Rebecca Bain & Alex Garrick Wright, Duane Roft and Jon Paisley.Producer: Chris Quilietti Senior Producer: Lauren Mackay Series Producer: David Flynn Researcher: Jodie White Script Editor: Keiron NicholsonAn Eco-Audio certified Production.

Let us know your views now - text us hereSamantha Baines is back as she joins Ashley Byrne and Lewis Oakley for another packed show. This time the team are discussing the Scottish bi politician whose been forced to withdraw his candidacy in the forthcoming Holyrood parliamentary elections after the Daily Mail outed him as a bi member of a swingers club. We hear about a business woman in her 50s whose doing her bit for bi awareness in Lancashire. New research suggests bi men have to be social chameleons. There's a bi journey story from Wes in Pennsylvania and two Ask a Bisexual questions - one from Jade in Hebden Bridge and another from Jamie in Leeds. And a call to action at the start of the show. We need your support. Bisexual Brunch costs to produce and we don't currently have a sponsor. Can you help us? Do you know anyone who would like to sponsor the world's most popular online bi show with listeners in every country? Could you spare a donation every month or even just a one off (big or small)? All help appreciate. See below for details of how to donate via Buy Me a Coffee.Support the show

Why is New Labour suddenly going viral on TikTok? In this week's Ex-Ministers' Questions, Ed Balls and George Osborne respond to their Gen Z fans who are remixing their greatest political moments into social media edits.With Labour conference just finished, Ed and George ask whether Keir Starmer is really a Blairite, a Brownite, or breaking with New Labour altogether. They also debate what Starmer and Rachel Reeves need to do to put Scottish Labour back in contention at the Holyrood elections next May.And before the Conservative conference begins in Manchester, George warns that the second year in opposition is always worse than the first, and sets out how the Tories and Kemi Badenoch might plot a comeback.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

The Holyrood Sources podcast takes you inside the heart of Scottish politics. This week, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives) discuss Labour Party Conference 2025.

Sir Keir Starmer leaves Labour's party conference in Liverpool with a bold new strategy: frame the fight as Labour vs Reform UK. But is calling Nigel Farage's immigration policies “racist” a huge political risk?On this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former No.10 adviser to Theresa May) and Jo Tanner (political strategist) break down:What really happened at Labour conference – and why the media narrative may differ from the inside story.The launch of Senedd Sources – completing the “Sources family” across Westminster, Holyrood, Stormont and now the Welsh Senedd.Why Wales could deliver the biggest shock of the May 2026 elections if Labour loses power for the first time.Starmer's strategy against Reform UK and Nigel Farage – smart politics or a dangerous gamble?Reform UK's rapid pushback, claiming Labour's rhetoric endangers Farage's security.How this all shapes up for Labour ahead of the looming Budget and next year's elections.

Pack your bags and maybe a liver or two because Whiskey@Work went international. From Rob's first ever trip overseas to Houston's nonstop chatter, the guys covered ground from Inverness to Edinburgh with a pit stop in London. Along the way they sipped drams at Glenfiddich, Tomatin, Benromach, GlenAllachie, Cardhu, Glen Garioch, and Holyrood. They ducked into countless pubs, wandered castles that have seen centuries of history, and braved ghost tours in bone stacked graveyards. This episode is equal parts whiskey, travel, and chaos served neat from Scotland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure from both the left and centre of his party ahead of conference. With questions over his leadership, his political voice, and Labour's direction on key issues like energy policy, immigration, and economic growth, this episode asks:Does Starmer have the authority to unite his party?Could figures like Andy Burnham challenge him?Is Labour heading for a damaging split – or a chance to reset?Will Ed Miliband's reported U-turn on North Sea oil and gas reshape the government's energy strategy?We also compare Labour's struggles to historic SNP and Lib Dem conferences, and discuss how Reform UK is reshaping the political battlefield.Plus:Why Scottish Labour's new Westminster ministers could act as a “shadow Scottish Government” to boost Anas Sarwar's election chances.The role of Douglas Alexander as Scotland Secretary – and whether he can coordinate Labour's strategy effectively.Could Reform UK split the Tory vote enough for the SNP to win all constituency seats?Should there be a clear constitutional process for another Scottish independence referendum?Plus: the bizarre scandal of Seagullgate, which forced a minister to resign after a row with Douglas Ross.We also hear from listeners on Scottish education, independence rules, and whether Holyrood needs reform to handle the growing scale of devolved powers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alistair Grant, Rachel Amery, David Bol and Catriona Stewart discuss all the latest from Holyrood, including a historic vote overturning centuries of legal history - and an allegation of physical assault by one MSP against another. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (former Scottish Conservative Head of Comms) deep dive into the week's biggest political stories.

The Labour Party dominates this week's podcast, which might be a bit of a shock for followers of Independents, but not in a very good way for Keir Starmer. We discuss the fall out of Angela Rayner's resignation and the further collapse in confidence since the departure of the golden girl of the working class side of Labour stepped out. We look at the fall out over her stamp duty debacle on her what actually was a third residence.We also take a look at the race for the deputy leadership and what that might mean for UK Labour and for Scottish Labour's chances in next year's Holyrood election. The election campaign which will be masterminded by Douglass Alexander after poor old Ian Murray, who sacrificed life principles actually over nuclear weapons to be loyal to Keir Starmer was brutally sacked on the phone. Have a wee look at Douglas Alexander and how liked he is north of the border by his own folk.And flags and more flags from the use of the Saltire in Scotland and English politicians obsession with mentioning the Union Jack in every press conference.LinksBirthplace of Scotland's Saltire - https://saltire.scot/Public opionon Frage and Reformhttps://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/52896-how-do-britons-see-reform-uk-ahead-of-their-2025-conference ★ Support this podcast ★

To hear the whole show, go to www.talkmedia.com/talkmedia

(00:00:00) Nocturno Groove Finale - Joseph Foley (00:03:32) Embotellar independientemente (00:07:46) Viaje a Países Bajos y nacimiento de Ediciones 05 & 06 (00:16:58) Cata de Millstone Founder's Reserve Rye 2013 (00:21:33) Amsterdam, Museo de Ana Frank y encuentro con Emma (00:25:54) Cata en La Whiskería de Barcelona (00:27:41) Independent Spirits Festival y World Premiere (00:32:08) Tour en Port of Leith y Holyrood (00:37:21) Logística, aranceles y hasta la próxima (00:41:53) Pablo's Peace - Joseph Foley En esta edición especial solo, el Catador Itinerante cuenta cómo surgieron las nuevas ediciones 05 & 06 del Catador Itinerante whisky, gracias a una serie de eventos fortuitos y un viaje a Barcelona, Amsterdam y Edimburgo. Logística, aranceles, single cask whisky de Zuidam, cata en La Whiskería de Barcelona, participación del festival Independent Spirits y en el nuevo docuseries de Greg Swartz.

Made by Edinburgh: Holyrood's Bold Take on Reviving Distilling in Auld Reekie Show Notes Thank you to Rob and Calum for entering the whiskey ring!  _________________________________________________________ If you haven't joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingring The Bottle Share Club - the $25/month Patreon level - is SOLD OUT! You can still support the podcast for as little as $1/month, and $5/month patrons will have first dibs if a $25/month member retires.  If you haven't yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook. Holyrood Distillery Holyrood Distillery Website Holyrood Distillery Facebook Holyrood Distillery Instagram Holyrood Distillery LinkedIn Holyrood Distillery Twitter/X

Jamie Greene, an MSP for the West of Scotland region, defected earlier this year from the Conservatives to the Liberal Democrats. Most defections in Scotland – indeed across the UK – seem to be from the Tories to Reform, so what is behind Jamie's motivations to go in a different direction? What are his reflections on the splintering of politics, particularly in Scotland, as we look ahead to next year's Holyrood elections? And does he agree that this is shaping up to be the most consequential Scottish Parliament election of modern times? In Jamie's view, Reform have shown to struggle with power in the areas they've been successful in, but admits that the Liberal Democrats could learn from Reform in some ways. Can the Lib Dems emulate Reform's Scottish surge?Produced by Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Newscast was recorded at the Edinburgh Fringe in front of a live audience.Adam was joined by Kirsty Wark, former Newsnight host, and James Cook, Scotland editor and friend of the podcast. They chat about the BBC's decision to air the new series of Masterchef, which was filmed before hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode were sacked, and Kirsty's role in exposing Gregg Wallace's behaviour. Plus an AI MP and what are the polls saying about Holyrood 2026?You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a whatsapp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bit.ly/3ENLcS1Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham

Today we welcome Mairi Gougeon to the R2Kast!

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney unveiled his strategy for pursuing a second independence referendum this week, arguing that an SNP majority at next year's Holyrood elections is the only way to guarantee it. This is seen as an attempt to put Scottish independence back on the table as well as combat the rising popularity of Reform. Pollster Mark Diffley of Diffley Partnership joins Lucy Dunn to unpack the SNP's independence strategy. Mark points out that while Reform are consistently outperforming expectations, their support still primarily comes from ex-Conservatives. This, plus the unpopularity of the current UK Labour government, could provide the SNP with an opening to exploit and shore up nationalist support. Could next year's Holyrood election be the most consequential election of the devolution era so far?Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Natasha Feroze.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk