Podcasts about scottish conservatives

 What could a pact between Nigel Farage's Reform party and Kemi Badenoch's Conservatives look like? Are we about to see the Tory party lurch closer to the right?     Beth, Ruth and Harriet answer this and more, as they go through your questions – which means we also get the backstory to the iconic Beth Rigby red lipstick.     And how difficult is being married to an MP? We hear from Ruth's partner Jen about their lives in the spotlight when Ruth was leader of the Scottish Conservatives.    Email us at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.        And remember, you can also watch us on YouTube! 

Alistair Grant and David Bol sit down with Russell Findlay, the Scottish Conservative leader, to discuss his party's policy platform, the "self-righteous" Holyrood bubble - and the threat posed by Reform UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, the conversation revolves around Thomas Kerr's recent defection from the Scottish Conservatives to Reform UK. Kerr discusses the circumstances surrounding his decision, the dynamics of political defection, and the implications for Scottish politics. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by the Conservative Party, the rise of Reform UK, and the potential for coalition politics in Scotland. The speakers reflect on the need for a clear political vision and the importance of addressing the concerns of constituents. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team discuss Labour's "reset" plans, and politicking ramping up in Holyrood. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Labour's "Plan for Change", but how has it gone down with the electorate, and Scottish Labour MSPs? As the 2026 Holyrood election continues to approach, the politicking ramps up in Holyrood, following the Scottish Budget, and polls suggesting Scottish Labour might not be on as sure footing as it may have hoped. And, with new leaders for both the UK and Scottish Conservatives, where do they fit into the upcoming electoral picture, as Nigel Farage's Reform UK threatens to make waves in the upcoming elections?

The team talk conference contentment, the national care service, and Taylor Swift. Why did the Conservatives seem so upbeat during the Birmingham conference? Why is the Labour donations row still dominating the news cycle several weeks in? Podlitical discusses the week's news, including Prime Minister Starmer returning £6k in gifts following a continuing row over donations, the new Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay settling into the role, and the unusually upbeat Conservative Conference for a party who just faced defeat in the General Election. Also, what's happening with the national care service in Scotland after local authorities voted to withdraw support?

Calum, Andy and Geoff discuss the next leg of the Islands tour, the implications of GB Energy's announcement in Aberdeen, and the challenges facing the Scottish Conservatives (and their Westminster allies) under new leader Russell Findlay. Plus the housing crisis in Scotland, the role of private investment, and the recent political strategies of the Labour Party.Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Sponsored by Scottish Whiskey Association and SSE. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour slumping disastrously in polls just 11 weeks after its General Election victory. The Tory leadership election becoming a who can move far enough to the Right to defeat Reform contest. Have all the SNP's Christmases come at once or should they beware a do nothing, fingers crossed, complacency?Lesley appeared on Debate Night from Dundee where Kenny Farquharson pushed the need for a settled agreement between the UK and Scottish governments on a mechanism to allow a second independence referendum.We examine the proposals contained in Glasgow University's "Scotland and the Constitution.Agreeing a Way Forward" report for just such a mechanism based on the Good Friday Agreement and a Northern Irish border poll.Scotland's minimum price of alcohol went up on September 30  by 15p, from 50p to 65p. Just how successful has  Minimum Unit Pricing  been in combating alcohol related deaths?We ask, "Who is Russell Findlay?" in the aftermath of his election as leader of the Scottish Conservatives.To find out more about and book tickets for Owning Our Futures-Autonomy Movements in Europe click below.https://independenceconvention.scot/europes-independence-movements-come-to-scotland#:~:text=Conference%20and%20Ceilidh%20Tickets%20Major%20InternationalTo listen to the marvelous "Hermless" by Michael Marra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5F44WfZoIN4As a proud "Arab" Pat couldn't resist adding this one-Hamish the Goaliehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqoGqoFCi2AIf these have whetted your appetite the Michael Marra A Can Of Mind And A Tin Of Think So Book Boxed Set 2024 linkhttps://assai.co.uk/products/michael-marra-a-can-of-mind-and-a-tin-of-think-so-book-boxed-set-2024?_pos=1&_sid=5d7c312fb&_ss=r ★ Support this podcast ★

The team dissect the weekend's Labour conference, and Douglas Ross' final FMQs. After delegates met in Liverpool, have we learnt more about what Labour will deliver? Have they managed to reframe the gloomy economic outlook as a message of hope? Rajdeep shares her experience at conference, and talks about the mood on the ground with the Scottish MPs. Also, the Scottish Conservative leadership contest is reaching its conclusion, and Douglas Ross takes part in his final FMQs as opposition leader. What does new leadership hold for the party, as Holyrood eyes up the 2026 election?

Scottish Conservatives' leadership candidate Murdo Fraser sits down with Podlitical. The MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife sets out his vision for the Scottish Conservatives if he wins the leadership contest, including why the party needs to be "brave" to succeed in the 2026 Holyrood election, why he believes the messaging on independence has "lost its currency" with voters, as well as why he thinks former leader Ruth Davidson's comments on the contest were "not helpful", and how he felt excluded from decisions under the leadership of Douglas Ross.For a range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

Scottish Conservatives' leadership candidate Meghan Gallacher sits down with Podlitical. The MSP for Central Scotland sets out her vision for the Scottish Conservatives if she wins the leadership contest, including why she's calling for repair and unity after the contest because "broken parties don't win elections", the infighting reported on during the contest, her resignation as Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives and how she felt she wasn't in the room when decisions were being taken by Douglas Ross. Gallacher also sets out her thoughts on a broader UK Conservative movement, which she hopes can come together "as a team" across devolved nations.For a full range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

The three candidates to be the next leader of the Scottish Conservative party join the podcast to discuss the issues of the campaign. Meghan Gallacher, Murdo Fraser and Russell Findlay talk about the difficulties of the campaign, how they'd form an effective opposition, whether they think they can ever be First Minister, how they feel about the rise of Reform UK in Scotland and what would define their leadership. Calum, Geoff and Andy discuss and debate with them. Sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign. Find out more about the campaign at www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/madetobemeasured. Sponsored by SSE. To verify what you've heard, click www.sse.com/change. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon is joined by Sunday Mail Editor Lorna Hughes and Scottish Express Content Editor Douglas Dickie on the Planet Holyrood podcast to discuss the talking points of the upcoming SNP conference as John Swinney says universal benefits will stay but has warned that the Scottish Government has to make "hard choices" on finances. The panel also react to Sir Keir Starmer's ‘pain' speech and the Scottish Conservative leadership contest with candidates Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser and Megan Gallacher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scottish Conservative leadership candidate, Meghan Gallacher, does not hold back in laying out her campaign stall.Says she'll investigate allegations that former boss and party leader, Douglas Ross, had a long term plan to dump Holyrood colleagues in favour of Westminster seat. Proposes 1p cut to Scottish Income TaxProposes a re-evaluation of Scottish Council Tax bands. Complete rebuild of the Scottish Tory party. Expresses her admiration for Margaret Thatcher who "took no sh*t" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Scottish government has announced it will not hold any more meetings with Israeli ambassadors until progress is made in ceasefire talks. The SNP has faced criticism after External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson met Israel's Deputy Ambassador to the UK. Angus joins Calum and Andy to explain his stance on the conflict, and also what more Scotland needs to do to improve its international standing. Plus, The Spectator's Lucy Dunn and Catriona Stewart unpick the state of the Scottish Conservatives leadership race and what's to come at SNP conference. This episode is sponsored by Port of Aberdeen. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Calum, Andy and Geoff discuss the fallout from rioting across England over the past week, and why there hasn't been any in Scotland. Plus, Murdo Fraser enters the Scottish Conservative leadership race, it's results day, and dressage isn't a real Olympic sport. This episode is sponsored by Port of Aberdeen. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Calum, Geoff and Andy debrief on last week's candid interview with Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith, as well as assess Rachel Reeves's less-than-optimistic speech on the state of the economy this week. Plus, what would a positive SNP conference look like? And would a particular new leader of the Scottish Conservatives get the party out of it's electoral rut - or does something more significant have to change?This episode is sponsored by Port of Aberdeen. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MSPs for Mid Scotland and Fife Liz Smith and Murdo Fraser join Calum and Andy to unpick what the future holds for the Scottish Conservatives, as well as reflect on its past. Potentially the next leader of the party, Murdo Fraser admits it was a mistake to try and split from the UK party in 2011 (which derailed his previous leadership bid), and suggests that he would be open to working with a new party, headed by...Kate Forbes.Plus, does Holyrood need an upper chamber? And why is Scotland's devolution underperforming, compared to England? And how detrimental might that prove to be? All in today's episode. This episode is sponsored by Port of Aberdeen. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the King's Speech tell us about the new Labour government's priorities? Beyond the ceremony and pomp of the day, the team discuss the policies and priorities of the new government, including the future of devolution, what might impact devolved areas (and what won't), and what's been left out. How did the speech sit with opposition parties like the SNP? Also, Prime Minister Starmer meets with European leaders as he looks to "reset" the UK's relationship with Europe, and names begin to emerge for potential Scottish Conservative leader candidates.

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the first week of Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party, the challenges facing the SNP and the Scottish Conservatives, and the future of the Scottish Liberal Democrats. They also interview Angus MacDonald, the newly elected Liberal Democrat MP for Inverness, Sky and West Rosshire, who shares his experiences and goals as a member of parliament.Plus, Sam White, former Chief of Staff for Sir Keir Starmer, discusses his time working with Starmer and the Labour Party's political strategy. He reflects on the party's turnaround from a low point to a 170+ majority in just one term of office. White describes Starmer as an evidence-led politician and policymaker who weighs decisions carefully. He also addresses concerns about Starmer's ability to adapt to the pressures of government and the challenges of the media landscape. White emphasises the importance of conveying the truth about the need for long-term change and renewal. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast discusses the results of the general election and the implications for various political parties in Scotland. The Labour Party achieved a landslide victory, adding more than 200 seats, while the SNP suffered a significant defeat, losing 38 seats. The Scottish Conservatives held onto five seats but faced criticism for their performance. The conversation explores the lessons learned from the election, the role of independence in Scottish politics, and the need for parties to focus on delivering results for the electorate. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer says “the culture of politics" needs to change in light of the investigations into allegations of gambling on the general election from both Conservative and Labour figures. Calum, Geoff, Andy and Cat Headley discuss what can be done to address the relationship between politics and gambling, and whether anything should be done at all. Plus, if IndyRef2 becomes a fading prospect, what is the point of the Scottish Conservatives? Who's had a good election campaign? And who's had a bad one? All in today's episode. This episode is sponsored by Port of Aberdeen. Find out more at https://www.portofaberdeen.co.uk/ Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin Geissler sits down with Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross. It's fair to say it's been a rough campaign for the Tories, but is it all doom and gloom in the camp? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks Ross about his policies, his plans for the future, and the ups and downs of a few weeks on the campaign trail.Part of a series of interviews with party leaders over the course of the general election campaign. To hear them all, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or tune in to the Sunday Show every Sunday from 10am on BBC One Scotland and Radio Scotland.

We discuss the recent launch of the SNP manifesto for the upcoming general election. We explore the purpose of a manifesto in a general election and the tactics at play. Plus, we discuss the potential impact of the polls on the outcome of the election and the future of the Scottish Conservative Party. We take your questions on the achievements of the SNP at Westminster and the possibility of a leadership contest within the Scottish Conservatives. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team discuss the Debate Night Scottish Leaders' debate. Following a fiery hour, how did the leaders set out their pitches to the Scottish electorate, how did Scottish leaders differ from Westminster counterparts, and how did the audience react to their pledges and promises? From cost of living to independence, the team analyse the performances and claims made by Anas Sarwar from Scottish Labour, Douglas Ross from the Scottish Conservatives, John Swinney from the SNP, Alex Cole-Hamilton from the Scottish Liberal Democrats and Lorna Slater from the Scottish Greens.

Ipsos' first Scotland poll since the General Election indicates the SNP and Labour in Scotland share 36% of the country's voting intention. Managing Director of Ipsos in Scotland, Emily Gray, joins the podcast to discuss what it means. Plus, after predicting it would happen, Calum, Andy and Geoff assess what next for the Scottish Conservatives after Douglas Ross announced he would stand down as leader. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Scottish Tory leader announces his resignation, the first manifestos launch, and more. Following the bombshell news that Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross is intending to resign that role after the general election, the team discuss how this might effect campaigning, how parties may use the news in the upcoming Scottish leaders debate, and what it means for Holyrood on July 5th. What other plans have parties made ahead of the debate? As the first manifestos begin to appear, with more on the way, the team analyses another week on the campaign trail, including where the parties are in terms of pledges and optics, the latest campaign stunts, and Phil recalls the time he nearly jumped out of a plane with the Lib Dems.

In this election special Giles Whittell is joined by former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale, journalist John Boothman and columnist Andrew Tickell in front of an audience at Material Source in Glasgow.They discuss what's behind Douglas Ross's decision to resign as leader of the Scottish Conservatives, the lurch to the right in some European countries and the number of Scottish children living in temporary accommodation.Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.comBook your free ticket to our next election special in Stroud on Wednesday 19th July: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-stroud/ Guests:Kezia Dugdale, former leader of Scottish Labour and Associate Director of the Centre for Public Policy at the University of GlasgowJohn Boothman, political correspondent at The Times and Sunday TimesAndrew Tickell, writer, columnist and lecturer in law at Glasgow Caledonian UniversityHost: Giles Whittell, Tortoise's deputy editorProducers: Rebecca Moore and Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Lewis VickersTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika joins Sky's Beth Rigby and Conservative peer Ruth Davidson to talk about the latest developments in the general election campaign.     On this episode, they discuss whether Rishi Sunak can recover from his D-Day blunder, the fallout from Douglas Ross's resignation as leader of the Scottish Conservatives, and how the parties are funding their manifestos as they are revealed this week.    Plus, Beth tells us how she is preparing to interview the prime minister and Sir Keir Starmer at the upcoming Sky Leaders' Event. Email Beth, Ruth, and Ayesha at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.        

Just when you thought this election campaign couldn't get any more tumultuous, Douglas Ross has announced he will resign as Scottish Conservative leader. He had lost the support of his colleagues – particularly those in Holyrood – following his decision to effectively take over a Westminster colleague's constituency when that MP was seriously ill in hospital. Why now?  Michael Simmons speaks to Isabel Hardman and Katy Balls. The Spectator will be hosting a special Live edition of Coffee House Shots in the aftermath of the election. Taking place on Thursday the 11th July - a week after the election - at 7pm here in Westminster, you can join Fraser Nelson, Katy Balls and Kate Andrews as they try to dissect the election results, a new government, and what comes next.  Tickets are £35, or £25 for subscribers. If you're interested, you can book online at spectator.co.uk/shotslive   

Douglas Ross, the Scottish Conservative leader, has announced he will stand in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East. At a hastily arranged press conference in Edinburgh, he faced questions about the existing Tory candidate being blocked for health reasons. Alistair Grant, David Bol, Rachel Amery and Alexander Brown discuss all the latest from the campaign trail - and what it means. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Douglas Ross has U-turned on a pledge to quit Westminster to focus on leading the Scottish Conservatives at Holyrood and will once again stand as a candidate at the general election. He will replace David Duguid, who was sacked last night as the candidate for Aberdeenshire North & Moray East because he suffered a serious spinal injury. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Politicians reflect on the highs and lows of Holyrood to mark its 25th anniversary. Podlitical's Lucy Whyte and Glenn Campbell sit down with Scottish Labour's deputy leader Jackie Baillie, the SNP's Christine Grahame, and former Scottish Conservative leader Baroness Annabel Goldie, all of whom were elected in the first Scottish Parliamentary election in 1999, to look back on a quarter of a century of Holyrood. Has the devolved parliament lived up to expectations? Is politics more tribal? Should MSPs be more rebellious? From the initial exciting days, to the debates over independence, the panel discuss their feelings around some of the big events of the last twenty five years, what they would like to see done differently, and what the future holds for the Scottish Parliament.For a range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

Lisa Cameron was born in Glasgow and grew up in East Kilbride, the constituency she now represents. After three elections under the SNP, she memorably defected to the Scottish Conservatives in 2023. At the time, Humza Yousaf described it as the least surprising news he'd had since becoming first minister.  On the podcast, Lisa tells Katy about the need for increased investment into mental health provision, her defection from the SNP to the Tories and why Scottish independence is a failed experiment.

Dr Lisa Cameron was born in Glasgow and grew up in East Kilbride, the constituency she now represents. After three elections under the SNP, she memorably defected to the Scottish Conservatives in 2023. At the time, Humza Yousaf described it as the least surprising news he'd had since becoming first minister.  On the podcast, Lisa tells Katy about the need for increased investment into mental health provision, her defection from the SNP to the Tories and why Scottish independence is a failed experiment.

Following the prime minister's trip to Europe this week, Beth Rigby, Jess Phillips and Ruth Davidson examine whether Rishi Sunak is convincing on the world stage and ask if his announcement on defence spending will help the Conservatives' chances in next week's local elections.     And after the Rwanda bill was passed this week - is this another win for the prime minister or a policy that he should have dumped months ago?     Plus, what's the future for Scottish First Minister Hamza Yusuf following the breakdown of the coalition between the SNP and the Greens. Ruth Davidson who was the leader of the Scottish Conservatives gives her verdict.     And how do MPs get deselected if they behave badly and can you become an MP if you have a past?  The team answer more of your questions. Email Beth, Jess, and Ruth at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.    

After two and a half years in government together, Humza Yousaf has terminated the SNP's governing pact with the Scottish Greens. The decision was rubber stamped at a hastily arranged meeting of the Scottish cabinet on Thursday morning. It preempts a vote by rank-and-file Green members on whether to walk away from Yousaf's government after he ditched a key climate target. In response, The Scottish Conservatives have tabled a vote of no confidence vote. And the Yousaf might very well lose it, now the Greens are out of the government. What will this mean for the first minister? Katy Balls speaks to Lucy Dunn, Iain Macwhirter and Fraser Nelson.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

At the end of the show a question from Roger Hyam Recommendations: Ruth The Glasgow Girl (Paperback) - Aasmah Mir  A Glasgow Girl is the coming of age story of Aasmah Mir's childhood growing up in 1970s Glasgow. From a vivacious child to a teenage loner, Aasmah candidly shares the highs and lows of growing up between two cultures - trying to fit in at school and retreating to the safe haven of a home inhabited by her precious but distant little brother and Helen, her family's Glaswegian guardian angel. Intricately woven into this moving memoir is the story of Aasmah's mother, as we follow her own life as a young girl in 1950s Pakistan to 1960s Scotland and beyond. Both mother and daughter fight, are defeated and triumph in different battles in this sharp and moving story. A Glasgow Girl is a remarkable memoir about family, identity and finding yourself where you are. This book was previously titled A Pebble in the Throat. https://www.waterstones.com/book/a-glasgow-girl/aasmah-mir/9781472288554  Blue Lights - series - BBC For three police recruits in Belfast, the pressure is immense. Facing criminal gangs and divided communities, they don't know who to trust. The odds are, they won't all make it. https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p0f2cxpr/blue-lights  Hollyrood Sources Podcast The Holyrood Sources podcast analyses Scottish politics through the experiences of those who have lived and breathed it as Special Advisers to the Scottish Government, SNP and opposition parties. Join hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Chief of Staff to the First Minister, 2007-2014) and Andy Maciver (Former Head of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives). Their insight is second to none - they've been there. What does Scottish Politics look like after Nicola Sturgeon? Holyrood Sources bring you the insider information you need to navigate the next chapter. https://holyroodsources.com/  Stuart When a struggling comedian shows one act of kindness to a vulnerable woman, it sparks a suffocating obsession which threatens to wreck both their lives https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81219887  Eamonn Living - film - netflix Overwhelmed at work and lonely at home, a council bureaucrat's life takes a heartbreaking turn when a medical diagnosis tells him his time is short. Influenced by a local decadent and a vibrant woman, he continues to search for meaning until a simple revelation gives him a purpose to create a legacy for the next generation. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9051908/ 

Blethered at the Ballot is a political podcast that pulls no punches, brings a laugh or two, and cuts straight through to the important matters without getting caught up in political jargon and meaningless soundbites. The General Election is fast approaching and before we collectively decide who to put in power, we deserve to know the thoughts of those who currently have it, those who want it, and those who are near it.Dr Sandesh Gulhane has been a Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Glasgow since 2021, he's Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, and he's a practising NHS GP. He holds the distinction of being the first Hindu and first man of Indian descent to be elected to the Scottish Parliament.Now campaigning to be elected to Westminster as an MP, Sandesh has been been chosen as the Conservative candidate for East Renfrewshire – a seat currently held by the SNP's Kirsten Oswald. This is our conversation about the friendliness of Glaswegians, how he ended up in Scottish politics, my questions and observations about the Conservatives record after fourteen years in government, Douglas Ross' leadership, and his hopes for the election.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sky News political editor Beth Rigby, Labour's Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips and former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson, look at some of the big politics stories of the week. They say it's Tory donor Frank Hester who's had an "electoral dysfunction" this week after he apologised for comments he made about MP Diane Abbott. Almost a day after the revelations, the prime minister said they were "racist and wrong" - but hasn't suggested returning the £10m to the businessman. Mr Hester insists he is not a racist. The Reform Party will be the ones feeling "on top" after Lee Anderson left the Tories to join them – but Jess, Beth and Ruth discuss how much momentum that will really give the party in an election.   Plus, Electoral Dysfunction listeners get advice on how to engage young people in politics, and where would you even get started if you fancied a political job?   Email Beth, Ruth, and Jess at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.    Warning: some explicit language.    

The fall-out from the Budget, Donald Trump at Super Tuesday and whether Westminster is paying enough attention to your local council's financial woes; all are up for discussion in this week's episode of Electoral Dysfunction. Sky News political editor Beth Rigby, Labour's Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips and former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson, look at the political figures who've got on top this week – and where there's a total dysfunction. Email Beth, Ruth, and Jess at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444. Warning: some explicit language.

Will the budget make you better or worse off, and what does it mean for Scotland? The team are joined by Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde to deep dive into the Conservatives' 2024 spring budget, including the 2p cut to National Insurance and a proposed extension of the windfall tax on energy industry profits, which has caused concern inside the Scottish Conservatives. As the dust settles on the announcements, the team discusses if this is an election budget, if there's more to come, and if people will feel the difference in their bank accounts and bills.

BUY YOUR TICKETS FOR OUR 25 YEARS OF DEVOLUTION SPECIALAnnounced guests so far: Jack McConnell, Alex Salmond, Henry McLeishClick: https://holyroodsources.com/liveAfter weeks of speculation, briefings and headlines the Chancellor's budget is here. And with it the windfall tax on profits for oil and gas firms has been extended for another 12 months, despite opposition from Scottish Conservatives. The former Political Editor of The Herald and former Special Advisor to Alistair Darling, Catherine Macleod, joins us to assess the budget, what it means for Scotland and just how tenable the positions of Douglas Ross and Andrew Bowie are. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Scottish Conservatives leader on the oil industry, energy windfall tax, and more. Off the back of the Scottish Conservative Party conference, MP and MSP Douglas Ross joins the Podlitical team on the eve of UK Conservative chancellor Jeremy Hunt's budget, and explains why he's against a windfall tax on energy company profits being extended, and why he thinks backing the oil industry makes economic sense, as the Tories face what he calls a "challenging electoral map" at the next general election. Ross also talks through his early work as a farmer, how he became a referee, and why he's concerned about his family's security as a public figure.

eBUY YOUR TICKETS FOR OUR 25 YEARS OF DEVOLUTION SPECIALAnnounced guests so far: Jack McConnell, Alex Salmond, Henry McLeishClick: https://holyroodsources.com/liveWe're back at the pub in Aberdeen, this time for Scottish Conservative Party Conference - and we're bringing you a brilliant lineup:▶️ The Leader: Douglas Ross on distinguishing the Scottish Conservatives from the wider party;▶️ The Secretary of State: Claire Coutinho with her pitch for the energy sector;▶️ The Minister: Andrew Bowie on nuclear energy and how he's campaigning on the doorsteps.▶️ The Journos: Rachel Amery from the Scotsman and Adele merson from the P&J set the scene and gauge the mood of conference.Plus, Calum, Andy - and the return of Geoff from family duties. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alistair Grant, Rachel Amery and Alexander Brown discuss the Scottish Conservatives ahead of the party's conference in Aberdeen. Alistair then sits down with Douglas Ross, the Scottish Tory leader, to talk polling, the upcoming general election - and the toll taken by threats and intimidation against MPs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The former leader of the Scottish Conservatives on Israel & Gaza, the pandemic, and more. The MSP for Eastwood, Jackson Carlaw sits down with Podlitical to discuss his career, from representing Scotland's largest Jewish community and his thoughts on the Israel / Gaza conflict, to why he felt he wasn't ruthless enough to be Scottish Conservative leader. Carlaw talks about his unwillingness to be seen as "screaming abuse" at then-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in FMQs during the early days of the Covid-19 Pandemic, why then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson had the "wrong skillset" for the pandemic, and how the public are not "terribly impressed" by Tory infighting and PM changes.For a range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

The Matheson iPad saga continues and Chancellor Hunt delivers the Autumn Statement. The team discuss the latest developments of Scottish Health Minister Michael Matheson's £11k iPad roaming bill, with the Scottish Conservatives threatening a vote of no confidence, but not yet following through in Parliament. In Westminster, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has delivered the Autumn Statement, announcing tax cuts and more, with the fast-forwarding of his announced 2p National Insurance cut to January fuelling speculation around the timings of the next General Election.

The Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives on her career, motherhood, and GRR. Lucy Whyte and Georgia Roberts sit down with Meghan Gallacher MSP, and discuss her beginnings in North Lanarkshire, how she developed conservative beliefs, and her rise to become deputy leader of the Scottish Conservative party. The team discuss Gender Recognition Reform and the late night vote last year, as well as what she thinks of the UK Government using a Section 35 order to veto the cross-party legislation. What does she think of the Conservatives prospects in the next election, and does she see herself as a future Scottish Tory leader?

First Minister Humza Yousaf meets Prime Minister Rishi Sunak amidst continued SNP turmoil. The team discuss the talks between the new First Minister and the Prime Minister, including the cost of living crisis and devolution. The difficult start to Yousaf's premiership looks set to continue, with former FM Nicola Sturgeon saying the SNP crisis is her 'worst nightmare'. This week saw former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford clash with the current Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, who revealed the party were still seeking an auditor to process the SNP's accounts, and acknowledged it could miss out on £1.2m in public funds if the deadline is missed. As Rishi Sunak now travels to Scotland for the Scottish Conservative conference this coming weekend, the team also discuss what we might hear from the PM and Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross.

The former leader of the Scottish Conservatives is on phenomenal form as she gives her heartfelt, considered and hilarious take on the state of Scottish and British politics. This is gripping from start to finish. Ruth is just as passionate taking on her own side's failings as she is those of her opponents, making this a thrilling listen. It's also emotional as Ruth talks about her son and parents. With Ruth, you're never far away from a crazy story and she some tales that no-one else in politics will have. It's a riot. Enjoy!Buy tickets to The Political Party, live at The Duchess Theatre here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/Forthcoming guests include:17 April: Jess Phillips22 May: David Blunkett5 June: Philip Hammond3 July: Joe LycettPlus more to be announced! Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest newsEmail the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.