Holyrood Sources

Special guest Jeane Freeman joins this episode. Jeane served as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport from 2018 to 2021. She was SNP MSP for the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley constituency from 2016 to 2021. Calum, Geoff and Andy question her on the relationship between the Greens and the SNP and whether The Bute House agreement is clear enough. Jeane also reflects on her days as Health Secretary during the Covid pandemic. She tells us about her biggest regret as Health Secretary as well as how she reflects on the pandemic and, crucially, what she believes does - and does not - need to be done to reform the NHS in Scotland. She also considers the tone of the political debate in Scotland, both in the SNP leadership contest and in wider politics, too. She wants the SNP to act like "grown-ups" and that it is no bad thing that there is disagreement within the party. She says it is "healthy and potentially constructive."

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Join us for a special conversation with Kate Forbes. In her first public comments since she lost out on the SNP leadership to Humza Yousaf, the Highland MSP, who came a close second in the SNP leadership election, says the accusation that her economic policies were a ‘lurch to the right’ was bizarre, and simply “spin and smear.” She speaks about her campaign almost being derailed in the early days by the reaction to her membership of the Free Church of Scotland and her views on gay marriage. She discusses whether the contest was a test of her faith. She outlines her reaction to Humza Yousaf's cabinet positions and the role of the Green party in the coalition agreement with the SNP. Email your responses to [email protected].

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Calum, Geoffrey and Andrew - apparently we're using Sunday names on this episode - assess Humza Yousaf's first few days. Kate Forbes, and her campaign manager Ivan McKee, have left government having been offered lesser jobs. Andrew and Geoffrey assess whether this is a bold sense of direction from Yousaf, or whether it's a mistake. They consider how businesses will feel, as well as the 48% of SNP members who backed Kate in the leadership contest. We consider what might come next for Kate Forbes. Plus, what're the roles of high profiles names on the backbenches - how loud will Forbes, Regan and Sturgeon be? Plus, the Green Dog comes up again - to what extent has the Green influence already created problems for Yousaf? And, what does he need to do to win over the people of Scotland? Email us anytime: [email protected]

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Calum reports from the room where the announcement of Humza Yousaf's successful leadership bid was announced. Andy and Geoff offer snap analysis on what it means for Yousaf, Kate Forbes, the SNP, the Greens and for Scotland's future.

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In our last episode before the result of the SNP leadership contest is known, Andy, Geoff and Calum discuss the importance of this moment in Scotland's history. Alongside that, we consider whether the candidates have changed direction based on new knowledge. How can the two leading candidates work with the party should they win? The next two to three weeks after the election are crucial, says Geoff. Winning the leadership is one thing but appealing to the public is another. Who would Andy and Geoff rather be at this point: Humza Yousaf or Kate Forbes? What will the role be for John Swinney - is he the person to unite the party behind the new leader? And what of Nicola Sturgeon's legacy - today is her last session at First Minister's Questions.

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Calum, Andy and Geoff analyse what we've learned about each of the candidates so far. Moreover, we discuss what the debates, the differences and the divides mean for the SNP - can they unite after this is over? We run through the latest polling as well to see which candidate is playing best with which group: SNP politicians, SNP members and the Scottish public. Geoff and Andy pull apart some of the debate techniques being employed by the candidates. We analyse if independence should be the priority for the candidates. Plus, we answer Alan's question that he emailed us about Kate Forbes and her personal beliefs. Email us with your questions and your analysis: [email protected].

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Calum, Andy and Geoff analyse the first TV debate between Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan broadcast on STV. The candidates got quite personal - is this them trying to carve out differences in public in a really obvious way? Geoff and Andy discuss whether this tactic will continue for the remainder of the campaign. How far did the candidates manage to appeal to SNP members to be their leader, and the wider public to be First Minister? We also got a bit of insight into more of their policy plans with child poverty, the NHS and the National Care Service all featuring. Plus, Geoff and Andy share their experiences of preparing politicians for debates including Geoff's memories of a "head in my hands" moment during the Independence Referendum campaign. Andy considers why most of his debate success came when he was playing the role of the opposing side to Scottish Conservative leaders.

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Calum Macdonald, Andy Maciver and Geoff Aberdein look at the Windsor Framework that's been agreed by Rishi Sunak to solve Northern Ireland's place post-Brexit and ask: does this provide a route map to independence for Scotland, and for the SNP leadership candidates to campaign on? Plus, as teachers go on strike again and NHS waiting lists increase, we assess what's in the new First Minister's in-tray. And, how much power do the Green party have right now, and will they - and should they - still have any power when the new First Minister takes office? Thanks for your emails - let us know if you agree or disagree or want to share a story or ask a question. The email address is [email protected].

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On our first episode, the three candidates who will be the next SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland are confirmed: Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan. 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) to discuss the first week of campaigning which has been bruising for some, and difficult for all. Geoff and Andy compare this leadership contest with previous elections and campaigns that they've worked on. Geoff suggests that, if the SNP aren't careful, Labour will be able to campaign against the SNP on the grounds of being out of touch and not standing up for the concerns of people around Scotland. Andy describes the difficulties of the first week as the SNP "arguing in front of the children for the first time." Email us with your thoughts: [email protected]

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Holyrood Sources hears from those who have lived and breathed governing and opposition in the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood. As the SNP prepares to choose its new leader, and Scotland gets a new First Minister, what will they do? How will they govern? What does life after Nicola Sturgeon look like? What does it mean for the Yes campaign for independence? Join hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver and guests as a new era in Scottish politics begins.

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