Holyrood Sources

Holyrood Sources

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. 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) as they take you inside Scottish politics. Their insight is second to none - they've been there, lived it, and maintain remarkable connections to Scotland's politicians and the world of Scottish politics. Join our mailing list and check out our latest live events: click holyroodsources.com Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

Douglas Ross U-Turns and will run to be an MP

June 6, 2024 • 17 mins
Douglas Ross has U-turned on a pledge to quit Westminster to focus on leading the Scottish Conservatives at Holyrood and will once again stand as a candidate at the general election. He will replace David Duguid, who was sacked last night as the candidate for Aberdeenshire North & Moray East because he suffered a serious spinal injury.

Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.


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The Leaders Debate... We Discuss

June 5, 2024 • 45 mins
Calum, Geoff and Andy are joined by former Labour candidate Cat Headley to pick apart the key moments from last night's first television debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer. There was a lot of back and forth, and interrupting, but what cut through? Plus, Nigel Farage is back - so what does that mean for the Conservatives, or for the future of the of the Right of politics?

Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyrood...

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Deputy Leaders analyse the debates and campaign

June 4, 2024 • 83 mins

The podcast episode features post-debate analysis with the deputy leaders of Scottish political parties.


Chapters

5:05 - Jackie Baillie (Labour)

The discussion covers the recent debate, party strategies, and key messages. It also delves into the topic of GB Energy and its potential impact on the energy sector. The conversation concludes with a discussion on Keir Starmer's U-turn on Diane Abbott's candidacy.


23:02 - Kate ...

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Election Bulletin 1: What You Might Have Missed

May 31, 2024 • 37 mins
Our first (maybe last, if you don't like it) Election Bulletin to catch you up on events from the week including: Michael Matheson, Diane Abbott, policy announcements and TikToks. Plus, Tales from the Campaign Trail where some of our journalist friends drop in to let us know how they're getting on. And we tell you what's on the agenda today.

Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.


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Polls, Diane Abbott and Campaigning Tales... with Allan Faulds

May 29, 2024 • 57 mins
Ballot Box's Allan Faulds and former Labour Scottish Parliamentary candidate Cat Headley join Calum, Geoff and Andy to pick apart what new polling, the treatment of Dianne Abbott by the Labour party and also reflect on some of their favourite (or not-so-favourite) memories of being on the campaign trail.

Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.


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Snap Election Snap Analysis

May 23, 2024 • 26 mins
A general election has been called for the 4th of July. We discuss the strategic decisions and execution of the announcement. There are questions about the rationale behind the chosen date and the decision to hold the event outside in the rain. We also discuss the potential impact on the Conservative Party and the Scottish Tories in particular. The conversation then shifts to the SNP and the suspension of Michael Matheson for breac...

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An Election? And Progressive Taxation...with Laurie Macfarlane

May 22, 2024 • 52 mins
Calum, Andy and Geoff weigh up the latest polling data, the role of special advisors in Scottish politics, and the comments made by Wes Streeting on the NHS: that "all roads lead to Westminster". Plus, the co-Director of Future Economy Scotland, Laurie Macfarlane, joins to discuss progressive taxation, in light of Andy's view from the last episode.

Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.


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Swinney's First Week, Mayors and Independence Extremists

May 15, 2024 • 41 mins
Calum, Geoff and Andy discuss John Swinney's first week as First Minister, Anna Sarwar's plans for regional mayors, and Rishi Sunak's comments on Scottish nationalism.

Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.


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John Swinney's Cabinet

May 8, 2024 • 49 mins
Kate Forbes is John Swinney's Deputy First Minister, but what does that mean for the SNP, the election and for Scotland? Calum, Andy and Geoff discuss it all.

Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.


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What's Next? (Swinney, Forbes, Faith, Unity)

May 3, 2024 • 27 mins
We reflect on John Swinney's announcement to run for SNP leader and the potential role of Kate Forbes in the new government. They also address concerns about Forbes' past statements on social issues and the need for unity within the party, as raised by you on email. The emphasis, as far as the SNP is concerned, is on the importance of bringing together different factions and talents within the SNP to ensure a strong and competent g...

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John Swinney or Kate Forbes...with Gina Davidson

May 1, 2024 • 52 mins
LBC's Scotland Political Editor Gina Davidson joins Calum, Andy and Geoff to discuss who will take the reigns of the SNP following Humza Yousaf's departure. Plus, your questions are answered.

Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.


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

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Humza Yousaf Resigns: The Opposition Reacts

April 29, 2024 • 66 mins

Humza Yousaf's resignation as First Minister of Scotland has sparked discussions about the future of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the leadership contest that will follow. The conversation explores the personal and political reactions to Yousaf's resignation, the mistakes made during his tenure, and the need for change within the SNP. The potential candidates for the next First Minister, including John Swinney and Kate Forb...

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Votes of No Confidence...with Ross Greer

April 26, 2024 • 58 mins
Scottish Green Party MSP Ross Greer joins us for an extended conversation about the termination of the Bute House Agreement, the Greens' time in Government and how the party plan to vote in the votes of no confidence being brought against Humza Yousaf and The Scottish Government.

Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.


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Humza Yousaf Dumps The Scottish Greens

April 25, 2024 • 25 mins
The Bute House agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens has ended, leading to a minority government in Scotland. We discuss the reasons for the end of the agreement including policy challenges and frayed relationships. Humza Yousaf, the leader of the SNP, will now have to chart a new course and focus on issues that have public support.

Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.


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Embezzlement Charges, Climate Targets, and The Bute House Agreement

April 23, 2024 • 45 mins
In this episode of Hollywood Sources, Calum, Geoff and Andy are joined by Kathleen Nutt, Political Correspondent, The Herald, to discuss various topics including the charging of Peter Murrell, former chief executive of the SNP, with embezzlement, the approval of the Green Volt offshore wind farm project, and the Scottish Government's decision to abandon its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030. The conversatio...

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By-Elections, The Cass Review and Holyrood's Rural Caucus

April 17, 2024 • 37 mins
Calum, Andy and Geoff discuss the relationship between SNP MSPs and its MPs at Westminster, the representation of rural areas in government policy-making, and the need for rural MSPs to caucus together. They also touch on the upcoming local and mayoral elections and the impact of dissatisfaction with the Conservatives. The conversation ends with a discussion on the importance of rural areas in Scotland's future prosperity. We refle...

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25 Years of Devolution: Susan Deacon

April 12, 2024 • 54 mins

Susan Deacon was Labour MSP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh (Constituency) from 1999 - 2007 and Scotland's first health minister. We spend more time with one of the stars of our live podcast recording event.


Calum, Andy and Susan discuss the 25-year anniversary of devolution in Scotland and reflects on the successes and challenges of the Scottish Parliament. We highlight the need for constructive reflection and improvement ra...

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Wood-burners, Labour leads, and Hate Crimes Q&A... with Michael Foran

April 10, 2024 • 56 mins

This week Calum, Geoff and Andy are joined by Michael Foran, a lecturer in public law at the University of Glasgow, to pick apart the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act. What does it mean? What does it say? Your (and our) questions are answered.


Plus, Labour leads the SNP for the first time in a decade, according to new polling by YouGov, and Scottish new builds will no longer be allowed to have wood burners. All on toda...

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3000 Hate Crime Reports in 24 Hours

April 3, 2024 • 49 mins
The Hate Crime And Public Order (Scotland) Act is now in force, and more Police Scotland is logging yet more complaints, so what happens next? Calum, Geoff and Andy discuss JK Rowling's comments - which are not being treated as criminal - as well as a new MRP poll predicting a Conservative wipeout to less than 100 seats across the UK after the General Election, but the SNP holding onto 41 seats. Plus, as discussion continues from o...

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Hate Incidents and Humza Yousaf's First Year

March 27, 2024 • 41 mins
First Minister Humza Yousaf has defended police after Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser threatened to take them to court for keeping a record of a hate incident made against him, despite concluding he had not committed a crime. Calum, Andy and Geoff assess the political fallout. Plus we reflect on last week's 25 Years of Devolution live recording. Plus, should MPs and MSPs keep talking about potholes, and is the First Minister rig...

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