The Lesley Riddoch Podcast

Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson
  • 4.9 (10)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

Scottish politics dissected from a left, pro-independence stance. Each week, award-winning broadcaster and journalist, Lesley Riddoch chews over the week’s news with co-host Fraser Thompson. If you like intelligent, quirky chat about Scottish society and culture, and Scottish, UK and international politics analysed from a Scottish perspective; this podcast is for you.

  1. 1d ago

    Waiting for nothing

    Waiting for Nothing: Clacton Crack-Ups, UDI Polls, and Energy Disparities In this week’s episode of the Lesley Riddoch Podcast, Lesley and Fraser navigate the summer "silly season" and the agonising political waiting game. From Count Binface’s impressive showing against Nigel Farage in Clacton to the glaring lack of a cohesive independence strategy from the SNP, the pair chew over the week's frustrations and bizarre news cycles. Plus, a deep dive into the media's framing of Glasgow as a "no-go zone", and a surprising U-turn on North Sea oil from Ecotricity founder Dale Vince. Oh, and make sure you get out and pick your brambles before the rain ruins them!  In this episode, we discuss: Farage's Bung & Clacton Fallout: Nigel Farage secured 63% of the vote in Clacton, but Count Binface recorded a personal best with 27% of the valid vote, saving his deposit for the first time. With the investigation into Farage's £5 million "bung" now unsuspended, Lesley and Fraser debate whether a potential 10-day suspension could trigger a genuine recall petition, or if voters will think enough is enough. Reform's Welfare Plans & BBC Bias: Reform UK has proposed cutting £50 billion from the benefits bill by targeting foreign nationals and scrapping the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The pair highlight heavy criticism from former BBC News Director Richard Sambrook, who called the BBC's headline coverage of these completely uncredible fringe policies "frankly bizarre". Defending Glasgow: Thomas Kerr and the BBC have recently framed Glasgow, specifically around St. Enoch Square, as a "no-go zone" while citing crime statistics that were inflated by 70%. Lesley and Fraser push back hard on this narrative, citing journalists who feel far safer in Glasgow than most European cities, and discussing the historical context of urban planning and community hang-around culture in the city. Scottish Labour's Leadership Squeeze: Monica Lennon failed to secure enough nominations to make the Scottish Labour leadership ballot, leaving Michael Mara and Joe Fagan to fight it out.  The UDI Question & SNP Frustrations: A recent poll surprisingly shows 45% of Scots would back a Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) without Westminster's permission. Lesley expresses deep frustration over the SNP's cautiousness, endless waiting, and lack of a public plan under John Swinney, contrasting Scotland's stagnation with Catalonia's grassroots preparations and Norway's decisive 1905 independence vote. Energy Disparity & Dale Vince's U-Turn: While Norway utilizes locational pricing to drastically lower energy bills for its remote northern citizens, John Swinney has actively argued against a similar system for Scotland. Meanwhile, green energy industrialist Dale Vince has made a massive U-turn, stating he would now support opening the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields if price controls decoupling them from global markets are introduced. ★ Support this podcast ★

  2. Aug 11

    Burnham, Burning and Labour Barrons

    After a three-week summer break, Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson return to dissect Scotland's political landscape. From Anas Sarwar’s sudden elevation to the House of Lords to Nicola Sturgeon taking public lumps out of John Swinney in the paperback edition of her book and in interviews, the pair unpack the internal friction, leadership manoeuvring, and communication breakdowns across Scottish politics. Meanwhile, as Europe and the Cairngorms burn amidst record heat, the hosts examine the stark realities of climate change, food inflation, and the ongoing tug-of-war over North Sea oil licences. Add in lessons on local democracy from Sweden, Icelandic EU ambitions, and a trip to the Killin Highland Games, and this return episode covers the full political and cultural spectrum. In this episode, we discuss: Anas Sarwar’s Peerage & The Scottish Labour Leadership: We unpack Anas Sarwar taking a seat in the House of Lords and stepping into a UK trade role, leaving Scottish Labour in a lurch. Lesley and Fraser critique the party's defensive media spin and analyse the upcoming leadership race—looking at why candidates like Monica Lennon and Michael Marra face structural hurdles while South Lanarkshire Council leader Joe Fagan emerges as the party machinery's favoured pick.Nicola Sturgeon vs. John Swinney: Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon re-emerges at the Edinburgh Book Festival to criticise John Swinney’s campaign and vision. Fraser compares her interventions to Margaret Thatcher’s post-power backseat driving, while Lesley highlights insider reactions—including Liz Lloyd’s sharp observation that while the party respected Nicola, members love John Swinney.Rosebank, European Wildfires & Climate Economics: With wildfires raging from Southern Europe to Nethy Bridge in the Cairngorms, we look at the climate crisis hitting home. We examine First Minister John Swinney’s hesitation over North Sea licences like Rosebank and Jackdaw, BP’s scale-back in the North Sea, and expert warnings that 40% of recent food inflation is directly linked to climate-driven agricultural disruption.Iceland’s EU Referendum & International Borders: We look at Iceland’s upcoming referendum on restarting EU accession negotiations, analysing how the bloc courts a nation of 355,000—and what potential fishing opt-outs mean for Scotland’s constitutional future. Plus, we look at the pragmatic border deal reached in Gibraltar.Manchester Apathy vs. Swedish Democracy: Following the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election, we discuss winner Bev Craig and the dismal 25% voter turnout. Lesley contrasts Britain’s top-down regional mayor model with Sweden’s hyper-local democracy, where 290 municipal councils collect basic income tax and command 90% voter turnouts.Coigach Filming & Highland Games Catch-Up: Fraser recounts his time at the Commonwealth Games, while Lesley shares updates on her documentary filming in Coigach and Strathnaver, commemorating the 1852 clearance protests at the newly opened An Lòrg stone circle.Links & Mentioned Events: Bute Highland Games: Saturday, 22nd August in Rothesay. https://butehighlandgames.org/  ★ Support this podcast ★

  3. Jul 21

    Things Can Only Get Slightly Different

    It is a week of brutal purges, shifting cabinets, and dramatic resets across the London political landscape. Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson deliver their analysis on a fast-moving news cycle as Prime Minister Andy Burnham takes the keys to Number 10 and Sir Keir Starmer retreats to the pub with his ousted frontbench. From cutting energy VAT and scrapping the digital ID scheme to breaking news of a desperate Thames Water bailout offer, they strip away the Westminster spin to ask if this newer Labour administration can truly 'rewire' Britain or if it's all just temporary vibes.  In this episode, we discuss: The Burnham Purge & Starmer's Pub of the Damned: An breakdown of the cabinet reshuffle that saw Sir Keir Starmer replaced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. We analyze the northern-heavy cabinet, including Ed Miliband's move to Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper at Health, Miata Fanabulla entering Net Zero, and Louise Haigh's return, while disgruntled Starmerites lick their wounds over pints in a London pub.Ditching the Digital ID for Energy VAT Cuts: We unpick Burnham’s headline policy—saving billpayers a modest £45 a year by cutting the 5% domestic energy VAT, funded by axing the digital ID scheme. We look at the OBR’s warnings that these departmental savings are completely unidentified and look to Estonia to explain why a genuine, trust-based society is required to build a real digital nation.Devolution Contradictions & Jack McConnell: Former First Minister Jack McConnell took to the airwaves to defend the new devolution agenda, but we examine how he quickly tied himself in knots over energy control. We explore Labour’s deep disconnect with rural Scotland and why Burnham's plans to emulate Germany's federalised government structure ignore truly local government.The Thames Water Legal Tussle: Breaking news hits the podcast mid-record as a consortium of lenders offers a "golden share" to the UK government to prevent Thames Water from crashing into nationalisation. Lesley explains why the Burnham government should actively welcome a high-profile legal fight with foreign private equity firms to prove they mean business.Housing First in Finland and Scotland: We look at the long-term success of Helsinki’s Housing First program, which dramatically cuts emergency service costs by providing stable housing and community support before tackling addiction. With 26 out of Scotland's 32 local authorities already operating Housing First, we note that Scotland is already leading the way where England struggles.Deconstructing Starmer's Wooden Exit: While the mainstream commentariat swooned over Starmer’s final PMQs, we pull away the Emperor's clothes. From his absolute refusal to admit to policy U-turns to his viral primary school anecdote, we explain how his hand-picked gallery guests failed to mask his legacy of two-child benefit caps and winter fuel cuts.Summer Break & Bramble Homework: The podcast takes its summer recess for the next two weeks, returning on Tuesday, August 11th. Fraser sets your holiday homework to challenge your local MPs and MSPs on independence, while Lesley provides a far sweeter alternative: get out to pick this year’s bumper crop of mega-brambles and make your own ice cream!Links Glasgow Times River Clyde Pool Project - https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/26290574.ambitious-plans-floating-swimming-pool-river-clyde/ Finland Film - https://youtu.be/J1mpytgMIBU?si=k_Gz8hmFwM7J_k3T Lesley's Bramble Ice Cream Recipe - https://www.bakedbyanintrovert.com/fresh-blackberry-ice-cream-no-churn/#recipe ★ Support this podcast ★

  4. Jul 14

    From Manchester to Holyrood: Can John Swinney Outbold Prime Minister Burnham?

    Well folks, it’s a week of unprecedented political shifts and fast-moving news. This week, Lesley and Fraser digest a historic transition as Keir Starmer departs and Andy Burnham takes over as the new Prime Minister. We unpack the massive policy choices landing immediately on the new PM’s desk—from splitting the Treasury to making defining calls on North Sea energy. Meanwhile, Reform UK launches a bizarre, hostile bid to criminalize the Scots Gaelic language in election materials, Nigel Farage braces for a resumed standards committee investigation in Clacton, and fresh historic accounts stir up the debate on independent campaign funds. Finally, we reflect on the tragic murder of Anne Widdecombe, the toxic rush of social media narratives, and why the simple, civil connections of community—and a bit of no-nonsense Scottish gardening—keep us grounded. 1. More in Common 11 focus groups say Burnham's election at Makerfield is final chance for labour/uk/andy burnham       https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/research/makerfield/  2. Farage and crypto John Harris - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jul/12/nigel-farage-cryptocurrency-rightwing-politicians-money-uk 3. Farage security  The i Paper team report that Farage turned down an offer of taxpayer-funded security including a bodyguard, car and trained driver last year. 4. Manchesterism - Prof Mike Danson on Gtr Glasgow Gtr Manchester comparisons https://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/07/08/on-no-10-north-and-the-limits-of-manchesterism/ 5. Leave Ann Widdicombe's sexual history out of it column by Rebecca McCurdy https://www.heraldscotland.com/newsletters/bulletin/1897/?nid=1897&ref=eb ★ Support this podcast ★

  5. Jul 7

    If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium

    It’s a week of breaking press conferences and transatlantic sporting drama. This week, Lesley and Fraser try to find their feet amidst a fast-moving political news cycle, broadcasting through recycling collection interruptions and unexpected announcements. From Donald Trump's latest ego-driven phone call to FIFA to Nigel Farage's high-stakes scramble over undeclared cash and property portfolios, we unpack the creeping Americanisation and deep-seated corruption sweeping modern politics. Meanwhile, we look South at Andy (the North) Burnham’s patronising stance on Scottish devolution and question how the grassroots independence movement can move forward cleanly with its campaign funds. In this episode, we discuss: Trump, FIFA, and Waffles: We chew over Donald Trump's ridiculous phone call to FIFA to get a player's red card ban delayed—a move that spectacularly backfired as Belgium thumped the US team 4-1 anyway. We dive into the corporate corruption of FIFA rolling into town tax-free, leaving host nations like South Africa lumbered with multi-billion-pound bills.  Farage’s Clacton Crisis: Recorded right before his 2 PM showdown, we analyse breaking news regarding Nigel Farage's future in public life. Under intense scrutiny over undeclared security cash, luxury stays, and a mortgage-free £4 million property portfolio, the donations he has received from crypto-billionaires and convicted fraudsters, we ask: is he about to jump before he’s pushed by a Standards Commission recall petition?  The King of the North vs. Scottish Self-Determination: We dissect Andy Burnham’s predictable words to the Scots, offering regional devolution crumbs while denying Scotland the right to choose its own constitutional future. We contrast this with the media’s sudden interest in an Irish border poll, noting how Scotland’s constitutional fight is being woundingly ignored by the wider news cycle.  Cleaning Up the Indy Dosh: With questions lingering over old Yes Scotland accounts and the potential return of Peter Murrell's misappropriated SNP money, Fraser and Lesley look at how to build trust. We debate the necessity of setting up an independent fun managed by a well-respected, neutral board to confidently kickstart a fresh independence campaign for 2027. Linkshttps://donation.dec.org.uk/venezuela-earthquake-appeal ★ Support this podcast ★

  6. Jun 30

    Twa Islands

    It’s a tale of two islands and two very different political visions this week. With Lesley broadcasting from the quiet, remote shores of Gola Island in Donegal and Fraser pitching up on the Isle of Bute, the pair unpack a massive week of infrastructure breakthroughs, constitutional questions, and sporting heartbreak. From Shetland finally securing a green light for subsea tunnels to Andy Burnham’s bold decentralisation agenda shaking up Manchester and Westminster alike, we ask whether Scotland’s highly centralised governance is ready to respond to fresh thinking. Plus, we mourn the Tartan Army's World Cup exit, take a look at the state of youth football coaching (not our area). Linkshttps://labourlist.org/2026/06/is-fiscal-devolution-the-missing-piece-of-manchesterism/ ★ Support this podcast ★

  7. Jun 24

    Podcast Extra - Community Wealth Building

    Could a little noticed Bill passed in Holyrood this spring transform Scotland into a  prosperous and powerfully local country?  Neil Mcinroy believes it can.  He's Global Community Wealth Building lead for the Democracy Collaborative – an American tank. But this well travelled, experienced Scot works across the world from his home in Argyll and is helping drive the CWB agenda here. The new Act requires public bodies from councils and hospitals to quangos and central government to use their procurement clout and purchasing power to support local businesses, coops and individuals instead of boosting the profits of multinationals. It's already transformed Cleveland, Ohio where the idea began and Preston, Lancashire. Neil was involved in both places. The new Scottish legislation places a duty on all public bodies to ensure prosperity flows towards workers, families, and neighbourhoods by retaining and circulating wealth within communities. Every council will be drawing up plans so it's vital local activists get up to speed now. LinksScottish Parliament briefing https://spice-spotlight.scot/2025/11/11/an-introduction-to-the-community-wealth-building-scotland-bill/ Lesley's National column https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25867601.holyrood-act-prove-revolutionary-empowering-communities/ ★ Support this podcast ★

  8. Jun 19

    Big By-elections!

    King of the North, By-Election Blues, and Tartan Army Joy Well, the by-elections were well worth waiting for. In this delayed "wait for it" by-election special, Lesley and Fraser digest a massive week in UK and Scottish politics. Andy Burnham has secured a predictable but comprehensive landslide in Mackerfield, leaving everyone wondering how quickly he might challenge Keir Starmer for the keys to Number 10. Meanwhile, the SNP faces a disappointing loss in Aberdeen South, prompting questions about energy policy, land taxes, and rural trust. Plus, the Tartan Army takes over America with an incredible display of joy and cultural diplomacy. In this episode, we discuss: Burnham's Path to Number 10: Andy Burnham defeated Reform, Restore, and the Tories combined with 55% of the vote in Mackerfield. We look at his victory speech, the rumors of cabinet resignations, and why Keir Starmer is stubbornly hanging on despite plummeting popularity. Aberdeen South & SNP Frustrations: The SNP lost the Aberdeen South by-election to the Conservatives, the first Tory by-election win in Scotland since 1973. We discuss how Stephen Flynn's move to Holyrood triggered the vote and whether he will take a hit for it. We also dive into the Scottish Government's lack of action on community wealth-building opportunities like onshore wind repowering and land taxes. Tartan Army Takeover: From securing Haggis approvals in Massachusetts to twinning with Glasgow, the Scotland fans are outclassing everyone with their energy and charity work. We contrast their joyful behavior in Boston with the rather more hostile chants coming from England fans in Dallas. Highland Clearances on Film: Lesley shares updates from a poignant filming trip to the clearance site at Rosal in Strathnaver. We discuss the rich oral traditions kept alive by the community, the struggle to find authentic black Highland cows, and how crofters actually lived in longhouses the size of modern three-bedroom bungalows. Upcoming Schedule: There will be no podcast next week as Lesley heads off to an island in Donegal with her bike, panniers, and absolutely no Wi-Fi or potable water. Links Highland Clearances Interview: Watch the interview with Professor James Hunter on the main Lesley Riddoch YouTube channel.https://youtu.be/U5dCbYELJa8Equitable Energy research about communities taking on repowering contracts -   https://ruralsehub.net/onshore-wind-re-powering-report/ ★ Support this podcast ★

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4.9
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About

Scottish politics dissected from a left, pro-independence stance. Each week, award-winning broadcaster and journalist, Lesley Riddoch chews over the week’s news with co-host Fraser Thompson. If you like intelligent, quirky chat about Scottish society and culture, and Scottish, UK and international politics analysed from a Scottish perspective; this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson
  • Years Active
    2007 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ℗ © 2025 A Feisty Production
  • Show Website
    The Lesley Riddoch Podcast