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In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver analyse the current landscape of Scottish politics, focusing on the dynamics within the Scottish Labour Party, the implications of energy policies, and the ongoing debates surrounding gender recognition reform. The conversation highlights the importance of effective political communication, the challenges of leadership, and the need for a balanced approach to energy pricing and local community benefits. The hosts reflect on recent events, including the Scottish Labour Conference and the reactions to the leadership of Anas Sarwar and Jackie Bailey, while also addressing listener feedback and concerns about key political issues. In this episode, the hosts discuss listener feedback on previous podcasts, analyse the recent budget passed in Scotland, and explore the implications of MSP resignations. They delve into the challenges of recruiting new politicians, the impact of experienced politicians leaving, and the widening attainment gap in education. The conversation concludes with a look at John Swinney's new political strategy and its potential effects on the upcoming elections.

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We're joined by the Scottish Labour leader and Scottish Labour deputy leader, Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie, to discuss their route to victory in 2026, NHS reforms, regionalisation of Scotland, nurse Sandie Peggie, energy policy and more.

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts delve into the current state of Scottish politics, focusing on the challenges faced by the Scottish Labour Party under the leadership of Anas Sarwar and Jackie Bailey. The conversation explores the implications of recent polling, the dynamics within the party, and the impact of Westminster politics on Scottish governance. The hosts and guests discuss strategies for revitalising Labour's image and addressing public concerns, particularly regarding the economy and public services. The episode emphasises the need for a clear vision and distinct identity for Scottish Labour as they approach the upcoming elections. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the pressing issues facing the NHS in Scotland, including the crisis in A&E, delayed discharges, and the need for reform in primary care. They emphasize the importance of a long-term vision for health and social care, addressing demographic changes and the need for adequate planning and investment. The discussion also touches on the intersection of gender identity and healthcare, particularly in relation to the Equality Act and the treatment of staff within the NHS. The speakers advocate for a focus on patient outcomes and the necessity of reforming the healthcare system to meet the challenges ahead.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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