Holyrood Sources

Holyrood Sources

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Holyrood Sources episodes

  • Labour's Promises and Your Questions Answered
    In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver delve into the current state of Scottish politics, focusing on Labour's recent pledges to maintain free services, the challenges of political messaging, and the ongoing crisis in the NHS. They discuss the implications of Anas Sarwar's commitments, the effectiveness of Labour's strategy, and the need for a more holistic approach to healthcare. The conversation also touches on the performance of politicians in the media and the dynamics of political interactions behind closed doors. In this conversation, and on the ineffectiveness of current political discourse. They explore the challenges of long-form political interviews and answer listener questions on a variety of topics.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  • Sarwar's Dilemma; Swinney's Past

    In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts delve into the current state of Scottish politics, focusing on key figures like Anna Sarwar and the implications of Westminster's decisions on Scottish Labour. They discuss Sarwar's recent comments regarding potential collaboration with Reform UK, the impact of the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields decision, and the public's perception of Sarwar's leadership. The conversation highlights the need for a more substantial policy discussion in Scottish politics, moving beyond the theatrics of coalition politics. The conversation delves into the current political landscape in Scotland, focusing on the performance of the Scottish Labour Party, public sentiment towards both the UK and Scottish governments, and the implications for independence. Key figures like Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney are discussed in terms of their leadership and legacy, while the impact of Reform UK on Scottish politics is also examined. The discussion touches on pressing issues such as rent controls and the challenges of delivering on promises made to vulnerable populations.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min
  • Getting Stuff Done - the budget and coalitions

    We're joined by Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton. In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver discuss the current state of Scottish politics, focusing on the recent budget negotiations involving the Scottish government and the Liberal Democrats. They explore the dynamics of political collaboration, the implications of the rise of the Reform Party, and reflections on political messaging in both Scottish and US contexts. The conversation highlights the importance of engagement and the challenges faced by various political parties in a changing landscape. The conversation delves into the current political landscape in Scotland, focusing on coalition dynamics, budget analysis, NHS challenges, the National Care Service controversy, and Labour's strategy against the rise of Reform UK. Key themes include the implications of coalition decisions, the effectiveness of the current budget, and the accountability of political leaders in addressing public service issues.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min
  • Anthony Scaramucci... on Trump and Scotland

    In this engaging conversation, Former White House Communications Director for President Trump, Anthony Scaramucci - who famously held the job for 11 days - discusses the evolution of Donald Trump since his first term. He delves into the implications of tariffs on UK industries, the complexities of Trump's relationship with Scotland, and the contrasting energy policies between the US and Scotland. Scaramucci also reflects on the rise of nationalism and its historical context, emphasizing the need for unity to avoid global conflict.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
  • Optimistic Vision, Trump's Inauguration, Coalition Benefits

    In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum, Geoff, and Andy delve into the current state of Scottish politics, focusing on the independence movement, the challenges faced by the SNP leadership, and the potential for a coalition between the SNP and Labour. They discuss public sentiment regarding independence, the impact of political changes on everyday life, and the importance of providing a clear vision for the future. The conversation also touches on the influence of figures like Donald Trump on political optimism and the need for established parties to reconnect with the electorate.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
  • Reform UK Defection... and Coalition Polling

    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.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
  • Exclusive: Scotland-wide Polling... with Prof Sir John Curtice

    In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, along with Geoff Aberdein, Andy Maciver, and Professor Sir John Curtice, delve into the current polling landscape in Scotland as it pertains to the upcoming Holyrood elections in 2026. We reveal results of our exclusive poll and analyse the implications.


    They discuss the implications of recent polling data, the rise of the Reform Party, and the challenges faced by both the SNP and Labour. The conversation also touches on the performance of the UK government and its impact on Scottish politics, the dynamics of leadership within the Scottish Labour and SNP parties, and the potential for coalition governments in the future. The insights provided by Professor Curtice highlight the complexities of voter sentiment and the shifting political landscape in Scotland.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
  • Exclusive: The First Minister and Deputy First Minister
    The conversation revolves around the political dynamics in Scotland, focusing on the budget discussions and the implications of minority government. We discuss the importance of collaboration across party lines to ensure the budget passes, addressing public priorities such as child poverty and local government funding. They also touch on the challenges faced by the hospitality industry and the need for a balanced approach to economic growth. We discuss the complexities of minority government, the implications of the Bute House Agreement, and the importance of public trust in governance. There is discussion of the need for effective budgeting and delivery of services to regain public confidence, while also outlining the path towards independence and the necessity of inspiring the electorate. Plus we reflect on the challenges faced by the Scottish government and the strategies required to navigate the political landscape leading up to the next election.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 27 min
  • Scotland’s Ageing Population… and how to pay for it
    Calum, Geoff and Andy host a special podcast in association with Phoenix at Standard Life House in Edinburgh. Along with a gathered group of experts, we discuss Scotland’s ageing population and how to pay for it. Adding policy solutions to the conversation are Kezia Dugdale, Associate Director at the Centre for Public Policy - and former leader of Scottish Labour - and SNP MSP Michelle Thomson.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 21 min
  • Christmas Special 2024

    In this festive special of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum, Geoff, and Andy reflect on the significant moments of 2024 in Scottish politics. They discuss their favourite podcast moments, including their island tour and energy debates, and delve into the political landscape, highlighting the end of the Bute House Agreement and the implications of a new Labour government. The conversation also touches on the ongoing investigation into the SNP's finances and the potential impact on future elections. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the evolving landscape of Scottish politics, focusing on the SNP's transformation, key political figures, and the implications of upcoming elections. They discuss the significance of timing in political narratives, the impact of leadership changes, and the challenges faced by the current government. The conversation culminates in predictions for 2025, highlighting the potential for new alliances and shifts in voter sentiment.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 16 min

About Holyrood Sources

From the publisher's feed

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.…

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