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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Holyrood Sources Island Tour begins at Lews Castle in Stornoway and Calum, Geoff and Andy are joined by new Labour MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Torcuil Crichton to pick apart the details of GB Energy, whether to introduce toll roads in Scotland and how to kickstart the development of the islands and begin the shift away from a Westminster and Holyrood-focussed perception of their management. 

The Islands Tour is powered by SSE. This episode is sponsored by Port of Aberdeen.

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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.

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