Holyrood Sources

Calum, Andy and Geoff are back together to discuss the results of a poll suggesting that the SNP would win the most seats but not have enough support to form the government in the 2026 election. It means the potential for Anas Sarwar to become the first minister of a minority government. Plus Alex Salmond would return to Holyrood, but is the Alba Party doing enough? This episode is sponsored by Po...

The Scottish government has announced it will not hold any more meetings with Israeli ambassadors until progress is made in ceasefire talks. The SNP has faced criticism after External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson met Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the UK. Angus joins Calum and Andy to explain his stance on the conflict, and also what more Scotland needs to do to improve its international stand...

The Holyrood Sources Island Tour continues at the Orkney Distillery in Kirkwall and Calum, Geoff and Andy are joined by local Liberal Democrat MSP for Orkney, Liam McArthur, Scottish Labour Economy Spokesperson Daniel Johnson and Scottish Government Business Minister Ivan McKee to pick apart the details of immigration, housing, skill retention and so much more. The Islands Tour is powered by...

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

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 c...

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 p...

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.&n...

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,...

The podcast discusses the results of the general election and the implications for various political parties in Scotland. The Labour Party achieved a landslide victory, adding more than 200 seats, while the SNP suffered a significant defeat, losing 38 seats. The Scottish Conservatives held onto five seats but faced criticism for their performance. The conversation explores the lessons learned from...

With less than 24 hours to go until the United Kingdom goes to the polls, Calum, Andy, Geoff and Cat Headley pick over the last remaining questions: how much influence can Scottish MPs play in a (potentially) Labour government? How much is voter disillusionment going to be the theme of the election? What's it like to be a candidate on election night?  Plus, they give their Scottish seat predi...

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer says “the culture of politics" needs to change in light of the investigations into allegations of gambling on the general election from both Conservative and Labour figures. Calum, Geoff, Andy and Cat Headley discuss what can be done to address the relationship between politics and gambling, and whether anything should be done at all.  Plus, if IndyRef2 becomes...

We discuss the recent launch of the SNP manifesto for the upcoming general election. We explore the purpose of a manifesto in a general election and the tactics at play. Plus, we discuss the potential impact of the polls on the outcome of the election and the future of the Scottish Conservative Party. We take your questions on the achievements of the SNP at Westminster and the possibility of a lea...

We're diving deep into the various economic challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Scotland. With: Kate Forbes MSP (SNP), Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic. Murdo Fraser MSP (Conservative), Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Business, Economic Growth and Tourism. Michael Marra MSP (Labour), Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance. Willie Rennie MSP (Liberal Democra...

Ipsos’ first Scotland poll since the General Election indicates the SNP and Labour in Scotland share 36% of the country's voting intention. Managing Director of Ipsos in Scotland, Emily Gray, joins the podcast to discuss what it means. Plus, after predicting it would happen, Calum, Andy and Geoff assess what next for the Scottish Conservatives after Douglas Ross announced he would stand down as le...

Click holyroodsources.com/live to get tickets for our big conversation on Scotland's economy - the only event focusing on Scotland's economy ahead of the General Election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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? Hosted on Acast....

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...

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

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

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 suspe...

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

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

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

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...