Podlitical

As the European Super League is met by a less-than-super reception from fans, Lucy and Phil are joined by sports broadcasters Amy Irons and Chris McLaughlin to discuss the politics of football and the reaction to the ESL announcements in Scotland and the wider UK. The team discuss how the sport can be used by politicians to win over voters, as well as creating some political own goals.

Manifestos for the Holyrood election begin to be released, and parties hit the streets. The team discuss what we know so far about the promises pledged to the electorate, as well as what impact the resumption of door-to-door campaigning and canvassing will have for parties ahead of further restriction easing in Scotland on Friday. Will we see three frantic final weeks on the campaign trail, or has the so-called "Ground War" ground to a halt?

You’ll be able to see a full list of candidates and parties standing for both the regional list and constituency seats on the BBC website. Visit bbc.co.uk/scottishelection to stay up to date.

Campaigner Talat Yaqoob joins the team to examine if we'll have a representative Scottish Parliament, and what steps are being taken by parties to ensure that women and ethnic minority people are able to be an equal part of the political landscape after the Holyrood election. Will MSPs better reflect Scottish society as a whole after May 6th? What more can be done to turn promises into policy? The team discuss this and the latest news from the campaign trail.

As the deadline to stand in the Scottish Election passes, who are the would-be MSPs? The team discusses parties old and new, and with around 700 candidates in regional lists looking to be elected to Scottish Parliament on May 6th, the team chats about at some of the parties hoping to share their vision of Scotland with the voting public over the next few weeks.

A full list of candidates and parties standing for both the regional list and constituency seats will be available on the BBC website. Visit bbc.co.uk/scottishelection to keep up to date.

BBC News Scotland editor and debate moderator Sarah Smith joins the team to discuss and dissect the first Scottish Leader Debate of the 2021 Holyrood election. From missteps to memes, the team chat about the performances of the party political leaders, and Sarah Smith shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like moderating.

Holyrood enters recess and the election period begins ahead of the May 6th vote. BBC political journalist Kirsten Campbell joins the team to talk about the last week of madness in Scottish Parliament, the last-minute NHS pay rise announcement, and the friendly end to this term of Holyrood which has been punctuated by intense debate and anger. As the Coronavirus pandemic continues, what will the parties' election campaigns look like?

Andy Wightman MSP joins the team to share his experiences inside the Salmond committee. Nick, Lynsey, and Phil have a frank discussion with him, as he reveals an insider perspective to the committee which found the First Minister has misled the inquiry in her evidence, and concluded The Scottish government's handling of harassment complaints against Alex Salmond was "seriously flawed". We find out about the independent MSP's reaction to the leaks to the press, hearing evidence from the complainants, and what consequences he believes there should be going forward.

Lines are drawn, anger flares, and election rhetoric begins as Holyrood heads for recess. In the last week before we enter the election period ahead of the May 6th vote, the team discusses the clash between the First Minister and Conservative Holyrood leader Ruth Davidson at FMQs, the potential effect of the Hamilton inquiry, and the upcoming Scottish independence bill.

Following the killing of Sarah Everard, the team talk about women's safety and the political response to her death with campaigner Ashley Crossan. Speaking to Lucy Whyte, Lynsey Bews, and Phil Sim, they discuss what legislation is being introduced, issues surrounding the political debate of women's safety, and ask: How can we make society safer for women?

Professor Sir John Curtice joins the team to discuss how Scottish parties are polling. How has the pandemic influenced voters? Will the Salmond inquiry dent or bolster support for the SNP? Professor Curtice shares his insight on this and more with Lucy, Phil, and Lynsey, as we head towards the Holyrood elections in May.