Shortbread Media

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Channel • 4 Shows

Politics

Politics

Updated weekly
News Commentary

News Commentary

Updated weekly
News

News

Updated weekly
Politics

Politics

Updated weekly

22 JAN

Tories Kick Out MS & Eluned Morgan Fights Back

🔴 Welcome to Senedd Sources, your inside look at Welsh politics. In this episode, Ollie Cole, Craig Lawton and Jo Kiernan to unpack the latest political drama: Welsh Conservatives’ James Evans kicked out amid talks with Reform UKThe influence of Nigel Farage and the Reform UK narrative in WalesEluned Morgan’s strategy and positioning ahead of the 2026 Senedd electionsVoter engagement, manifesto scrutiny, and the disconnect between politicians and the public We break down how party messaging, grassroots support, and polling trends are shaping Wales’ political landscape. From “Britain is broken” debates to the Labour Party’s electoral strategy, get the inside story you won’t find anywhere else. 💬 Send your questions or comments via WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start your message with “Senedd”) or email: hello@seneddsources.com. We may feature them in the next episode! ✅ Subscribe to Senedd Sources for weekly insights on Welsh politics: [Insert Channel Link] 🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube and never miss a political update. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 Jan

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49 min
12/04/2024 · BONUS

25 Years of Devolution: Susan Deacon

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 rather than getting stuck in nostalgia. We discuss the performative nature of politics, the unintended consequences of policies, and the lack of leadership and intellectual capacity in Scottish politics. They also emphasise the importance of engaging with wider civic society and fostering meaningful debate. The episode concludes with a discussion on the need to move away from comparing Scotland to England and instead benchmark against global peers. The conversation explores the challenges and shortcomings of the Scottish political system, particularly in relation to the media, healthcare, and candidate selection processes. It highlights the tendency for political discourse to focus on comparisons and not on addressing underlying issues. The conversation also discusses the need for decentralisation and regional leadership, as well as the importance of bringing in diverse expertise and allowing for independent thinking within political parties. --- Subscribe to our mailing list at holyroodsources.com Email us with thoughts, questions and your own analysis: hello@holyroodsources.com Drop us a Voice Note or WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12/04/2024 · Bonus

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55 min
24/12/2025

Christmas Special: 2025 in Welsh Politics & Lord Simon Hart

In this Senedd Sources Christmas special, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton look back on a remarkable year in Welsh politics — from the rise of Reform UK and the Caerphilly by-election shock, to the fallout from the Nathan Gill scandal, and the countdown to the 2026 Senedd election. We’re also joined by Simon Hart, former Welsh Secretary, Chief Whip, and now Lord Hart of Tenby, to discuss his explosive political diary Ungovernable: The Political Diaries of a Chief Whip— an inside account of government during the Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak years. In this episode:Why Reform UK surged in WalesWhat Caerphilly revealed about voter behaviourThe new Senedd constituency boundariesThe Nathan Gill caseSimon Hart on Covid, devolution, whips, and party chaos 🎄 A perfect Christmas listen for anyone interested in Welsh politics. 📱 WhatsApp your questions: 0333 404 6507 (start with “Senedd”) 📩 Email: hello@seneddsources.com 🎧 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24/12/2025

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35 min
06/03/2025

Programme - or Vision - for Government?

In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan discuss the newly established Programme for Government in Northern Ireland, its implications, and the political dynamics surrounding it. They critique the document's lack of detail and the power dynamics within the executive, particularly the dominance of the DUP and Sinn Féin. The conversation also touches on media perceptions of the government and systemic issues in Northern Ireland's governance, emphasising the need for a more effective approach to public policy and accountability. The conversation explores the complexities of Northern Ireland's political landscape, focusing on healthcare budget issues, the effectiveness of opposition strategies, the identity crisis of the SDLP, and the dynamics surrounding the DUP's deputy leadership contest. The speakers analyse the interplay between political parties, the challenges of governance, and the need for innovative approaches to address pressing issues like healthcare and housing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

06/03/2025

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43 min
22/05/2025

Irish Unity Cooperation and Budget Proposals... with Claire Hanna

In this episode of the Stormont Sources podcast, David McCann, Tim Kearns, and Michael McKernan discuss various political topics affecting Northern Ireland, including reflections on past political leadership, the recent UK-EU reset, the DUP's cautious stance on new agreements, and the controversial topic of compulsory voting. The trio are also joined by Claire Hanna, the leader of the SDLP, who chats about the party's alternative budget proposal and critiques the current executive's handling of budgetary issues. She emphasises the need for more powers to be devolved to Northern Ireland and explores the potential of a Northern Ireland National Investment Bank. The discussion also touches on the importance of infrastructure projects and the need for a more ambitious economic policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22/05/2025

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58 min
24/07/2025

Youth Votes and Executive Tensions

In the latest episode of Stormont Sources, David, Tim and Michael navigate the complex political landscape of Northern Ireland. They kick off by taking your questions and then move onto the potential impact of lowering the voting age to 16, exploring the political and social implications of this significant change. The hosts then turn their attention to the media access and scrutiny of Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers, examining the recent cancellation of a press conference and its broader implications for transparency and accountability. Finally, they look into the cultural and political nuances of Northern Ireland, from the dynamics of Orange parades to the evolving relationships within the executive office. Join us for a thought-provoking journey through the heart of Northern Irish politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24/07/2025

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42 min
30/10/2024

The UK Government Budget

In our first ever crossover episode with the Whitehall Sources podcast, we assess the implications of the UK Government budget. The first section of both podcasts features former advisers from across the political spectrum. The podcasts then return to their own list of guests and commentators and analysts. Search Whitehall Sources to listen to our sister podcast. Holyrood Sources is sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association's Made to be Measured campaign. Find out more about the campaign at scotch-whisky.org.uk/madetobemeasured and by SSE: to verify what you've heard, click sse.com/change GUEST LIST STEPHEN FLYNN, SNP Westminster leader and MP for Aberdeen South; WENDY CHAMBERLAIN, Liberal Democrat Chief Whip and MP for North East Fife; HARRIET CROSS, Conservative MP for Gordon and Buchan and on the Scottish Affairs Committee; DR ZUBIR AHMED is Labour MP for Glasgow South West; Dr JEEVUN SANDHER, Labour MP for Loughborough who sits on the Treasury Committee; HEATHER IQBAL was a political adviser and media spokesperson for Chancellor Rachel Reeves for three years in opposition; ALLIE RENISON, Associate Director at SEC Newgate and former Government Business Adviser; GRAINNE GILMORE director of research & insights at Cluttons property consultants; JOÃO SOUSA, Deputy Director Fraser of Allander Institute; ALEXANDER BROWN, Westminster Correspondent for The Scotsman; CAROLINE WHEELER, Political Editor of The Sunday Times; DAVID PHILIPS, Associate Director at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, who leads on devolved and local government finance; GRAEME LITTLEJOHN, Director of Strategy and Comms for the Scotch Whisky Association --- Subscribe to our mailing list at holyroodsources.com Email us with thoughts, questions and your own analysis: hello@holyroodsources.com Drop us a Voice Note or WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30/10/2024

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1hr 34min
11/12/2025

Plaid–Labour Budget Deal Explained & Tom Giffard Interview

In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton break down a dramatic week in Welsh politics — including the rapid-fire budget deal between Labour and Plaid Cymru and what this all means ahead of the 2025 Senedd election. We’re also joined by special guest Tom Giffard MS, Welsh Conservative Member of the Senedd for South Wales West. Tom gives us his take on: The Plaid–Labour budget agreementWhether the Conservatives can hold seats in MayHow big a threat Reform UK really isWhat message Welsh Tories need to win back votersWhat the new electoral system might mean for incumbentsThe realities of campaigning under the new 6-member constituencies 🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis, inside knowledge and exclusive Senedd scoops. 📲 WhatsApp us your thoughts or voice notes: 0333 404 6507 (start with Senedd). 📧 Email: hello@seneddsources.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11/12/2025

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43 min
05/06/2025

Irish Unification in the EU

In this episode of Stormont Sources, we discuss the SDLP motion for Irish unification with guests Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan. The conversation explores the implications of the motion, the role of the SDLP in advocating for constitutional change, and the challenges of accountability and meaningful debate within the Northern Ireland Assembly. Matthew O'Toole, the leader of the opposition, shares insights on the need for reconciliation and the importance of a constructive opposition in Northern Ireland politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

05/06/2025

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51 min
02/09/2025

“Drill Baby Drill?” Oil & Gas, Renewables, Consumers & Communities

Scotland’s energy future is at a crossroads. In this special episode of Holyrood Sources, recorded live at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen, we bring together leading voices to debate oil, gas, renewables, community power projects, and the politics driving the UK’s energy transition. Guests include: Claire Mack – Chief Executive, Scottish RenewablesAndrew Bowie MP – Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire & Kincardine, Shadow Minister for EnergyAngus Macdonald – Community energy company director from the Western IslesTopics covered: The oil vs renewables binary: false choice or political reality?Grid failures & why community projects can’t get connectedNet Zero deadlines: realistic or damaging?How UK & Scottish Governments can fix energy investment challengesThe future of Grangemouth, Sullom Voe & North Sea oil assetsWhy ordinary households are paying the price for failed energy policy🎧 Tomorrow’s follow-up episode features a major debate with: Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister of ScotlandMichael Shanks, UK Government Energy MinisterClaire Coutinho, Shadow Energy Secretary--- Subscribe to our mailing list at holyroodsources.com Email us with thoughts, questions and your own analysis: hello@holyroodsources.com Drop us a Voice Note or WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

02/09/2025

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34 min

Bringing you behind the door, with those who have lived and breathed jobs about which we need to know more, from politics and elsewhere. By Shortbread Media Ltd.

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Shortbread Media

Top Shows

Tories Kick Out MS & Eluned Morgan Fights Back

25 Years of Devolution: Susan Deacon

Christmas Special: 2025 in Welsh Politics & Lord Simon Hart

Programme - or Vision - for Government?

Irish Unity Cooperation and Budget Proposals... with Claire Hanna

Youth Votes and Executive Tensions

The UK Government Budget

Plaid–Labour Budget Deal Explained & Tom Giffard Interview

Irish Unification in the EU

“Drill Baby Drill?” Oil & Gas, Renewables, Consumers & Communities

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