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. 4d ago

    Is Britain really all together now? Or is this no man's land?

    Lesley and Fraser delayed recording this week to digest Andy Burnham’s blockbuster Labour Party Conference speech. From grand English policy pitches to Scottish local government reform, Glasgow’s equal pay row, and Holyrood drama, here is what’s in this week’s episode: Burnham’s "Prime Ministerial" Pitch: Big announcements on housing, water, energy, and a National Care Service. Impressive delivery, but as Lesley notes, Scotland has already implemented nearly all of it—from ending Right to Buy to free personal care.Local Government Reform: A look at Gerry Hassan's blog on council reorganisations. Do the current plans solve Scotland's democratic deficit, or do we need a Citizens' Assembly to work through a proper plan?Glasgow Equal Pay Row: Why Glasgow City Council suddenly threatened staff with "fire and rehire" over equal pay settlements, and why Unison stood its ground.Humza Yousaf’s Book & SNP Conference: Highlights from the Dundee launch of Humza’s book Under Fire, plus a new internal independence pressure group forming ahead of the SNP conference in Aberdeen.Holyrood’s "Right to Decide": Why Scottish Labour voted for the SNP's self-determination motion, and Patrick Harvie’s calm response to a bizarre speech comparing Scottish nationalism to Yugoslavia.Links & Events: Film Screening: Lesley’s Finland film is showing at the Moffat Theatre this Saturday at 2:00 PM.Support the Pod: If you enjoy the show, help support us at lesleyriddoch.com/podcast.Gerry Hassan: How Scotland is Governed Matters Just as Much as Who Governs's It ★ Support this podcast ★

  2. Sep 22

    Is this the end for Scotland's mega-councils?

    Could Scotland be on the verge of a democratic revolution—both locally and nationally? In this week's episode, Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson break down a today's debate at Holyrood as MSPs discuss Scotland’s right to hold an independence referendum. But that’s not the only constitutional shake-up on the table: the SNP Scottish Government’s radical proposal to dismantle the current local authority structure in favour of up to 160 new "community authorities" sitting inside 6-10 regional authorities. Alongside this, they explore the ripple effects of the Cardiff Celtic Alliance meeting, shifting international trade alliances, and the escalating pressure on the Scottish Government to honour its commitment to Israeli settlement boycotts. Topics DiscussedIs this the end of Scotland's mega-councils?: Analysis of the Scottish Government’s paper proposing the replacement of current council structures with 6 to 10 strategic regional authorities and between 120 and 160 local "community authorities". The hosts caution against rushing this complex restructuring to meet a budget deadline, calling instead for a Citizens' Assembly to ensure genuine democratic empowerment.Shifting Tides on Independence: Holyrood’s debate on the right to decide, marked by Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra suggesting his party may not oppose the motion. The hosts trace how the Cardiff Celtic Alliance meeting has caused ripples across the UK media, prompting LBC's James O'Brien and The Guardian's Simon Jenkins to publicly re-examine their positions on Scottish autonomy.The £100,000 SNP Campaign Fund: Fraser and Lesley discuss Robin McAlpine’s sharp critique of the SNP’s newly announced campaign "war chest," maintaining that what the movement urgently needs is an independent, civic-led campaign rather than top-down party control.Canada and the EU: Canada’s proposed association agreement with the European Union. Lesley and Fraser explore how "middle powers" are aligning internationally, potentially leaving a post-Brexit UK further isolated, and raising questions for Scotland's constitutional future.Boycotts and Public Procurement: Pressure mounts on the Scottish Government regarding its pledge to disinvest from companies linked to illegal settlements. The hosts examine ASLEF’s potential strike action over a Spanish firm bidding for ScotRail rolling stock, alongside the cultural fallout surrounding Ed Sheeran dropping Macklemore as a concert support act.LinksPoem - Andra on November 30th - https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/andra-november-30th/ Humza Yousaf book launch - 28 September 7pm https://www.waterstones.com/events/humza-yousaf-in-conversation-at-vanda-dundee/dundee Build A Local Scotland event - Tuesday 1pm 6 October - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2000254783904 ★ Support this podcast ★

  3. Sep 15

    Orange Is The New Green – Celtic Alliances, Councils and Counting

    This week, Lesley and Fraser unpack a chaotic week in politics, kicking off with the unexpected fallout from Andy Burnham's border poll gaffes, which inadvertently paved the way for the historic Cardiff Declaration. As Donald Trump wades into the Irish unity debate for his own midterm electoral gain and Reform UK pockets an eye-watering £72 million donation, the pair also tackle the systemic issues plaguing Scottish local government and the aparent flaws within the Curriculum for Excellence. The Cardiff Declaration & Burnham's Gaffe: How the Prime Minister's shifting stance on an Irish border poll has united the First Ministers of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. We discuss the new cooperation agreement and what this united Celtic front means for the constitutional future of the UK.Trump on Ireland (and Scotland): Analysing Donald Trump's sudden, highly amusing support for a united Ireland to court the Irish-American midterm vote, while simultaneously claiming Scotland must wait 50 to 75 years for another independence referendum.Local Government Reform & Citizens' Assemblies: Lesley recounts her meeting with Scottish Government ministers to discuss the future of local democracy. With councils currently deemed "too big to be local and too small to be strategic," the pod argues for a Citizens' Assembly to completely restructure Scottish local governance rather than relying on uninspired, top-down council mergers.Education, PISA & Kindergarten: Digging into stagnant PISA results and structural hurdles in the Curriculum for Excellence. Following alarming government statistics regarding rising violence in Primaries 1 to 3, Lesley reiterates the urgent need for a fully funded, Nordic-style, play-based kindergarten stage to build resilience and cooperation before formal schooling begins.Reform UK's Mega-Donations: Nigel Farage's party lands a massive £72 million in donations from crypto-billionaires. Fraser and Lesley discuss the UK government's scramble to tighten residency rules for donors and the chilling prospect of this cash being deployed to micro-target voters online.LinksCommon Weal Prospectus For A New State - https://www.commonweal.scot/prospectus-for-a-new-stateSpell Songs - https://www.thelostwords.org/spell-songs/ Humza Yousaf Book launch -28th September https://www.waterstones.com/events/humza-yousaf-in-conversation-at-vanda-dundee/dundee Building a Local Scotland - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2000254783904Building a Local Scotland is inviting MSPs, civic organisations, campaigners, academics and community representatives to join us for a discussion in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 6 October at 1pm in Committee Room 1 of the Scottish Parliament. Finland Film ScreeningsMoffat - Saturday 3rd October at 2 pm with a ticket price of £8 Moffat Theatre - https://www.facebook.com/61556556485367/posts/scottish-broadcaster-lesley-riddoch-is-bringing-her-new-film-to-moffat-theatre-o/122313424520218549/ Island of Lismore - October 25, 2026 Taproot Festival, at the Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre on Sunday afternoon 4:30 ★ Support this podcast ★

  4. Sep 8

    Bloody Barons, eh?

    In this week’s episode, Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson dive into everything from political peerages and far-right threats to centralisation battles in Scottish governance and local community empowerment. Key Topics Discussed Barons & Westminster Politics: Fraser and Lesley dissect Anas Sarwar’s ennoblement, Keir Starmer’s political standing, and proposed UK trade sanctions on illegal West Bank settlementsBernara Café Dispute & Land Buyouts: Baron George Foulkes resignation from the Ethnic Minority Law Centre over a high-profile Bernara community café dispute, and how Bernara’s 11-year struggle highlights badly drafted community buyout legislation.Rising Far-Right Dynamic: The political impact of AfD’s electoral surge in East Germany, false rumors leading to the arson of a housing association property in Possilpark, and the contrast in police responses to far-right demonstrations in Dover versus left-wing protests.Reform UK Funding Scandal & Farage Speech: Undercover reporting by Channel 4 exposing foreign election donation loopholes, alongside Nigel Farage’s proposals to declare a state of emergency, sit Parliament 24/7, and replace uncooperative judges and lords.Scottish Governance & Centralisation: John Swinney’s proposals to reduce health boards to two and encourage council mergers, drawing parallels to failed municipal consolidation in Norway and criticisms from public health expert Alison Pollock.Rural Realities & Assynt Housing: Insights from the DTAS conference on urban-centric policies, including an example from Assynt where urban EV charging mandates required a £750,000-per-unit grid upgrade for a ten-home community project.Holyrood Scrutiny & Cultural Success: A critical look at a think tank report on lazy MSPs and Holyrood's flawed committee system, concluding with a celebration of Fèis Rois’s 40th anniversary concert in Inverness.Articles & Resources Mentioned https://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/09/07/blackshirts-over-the-white-cliffs-of-dover/ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/07/afd-germany-far-right-saxony-anhalt-nationalist-wave-europe-analysis ★ Support this podcast ★

  5. Sep 1

    A Priti Bad Reshuffle

    Talk of an election is cranked up on the eve of the Westminster Parliament returning to session. From Dame Priti Patel’s shadow cabinet exit to Andy Burnham’s constitutional landmines over border polls, Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson dig into a week defined by grand promises, administrative centralisation, and missing strategies. Meanwhile, BBC Scotland faces plummeting ratings, local councils battle depopulation without visa powers, and the Nordic model offers a stark, practical contrast to Britain’s spiralling prison crisis.  In this episode, we discuss: Tory Reshuffle & Snap Election Rumours: Dame Priti Patel and Sir Mel Stride exit as Labour eyes a potential 2027 snap election to lock in their lead over Reform.SNP Draft Agenda Stagnation: Party HQ releases a muted draft conference agenda lacking core independence strategy, but where is the will to do anything about it from SNP members?Prisons Crisis & Nordic Solutions: Lessons from Norway’s 1990s prison reform, which traded punitive overcrowding for a focus on rehabilitation and leading to massive drop in the reoffending rate.Holyrood's Food Price Cap: John Swinney’s proposed basic price caps face heavy retail pushback and potential clashes with Westminster’s Internal Market Act.Burnham’s Border Poll Blunder: The Prime Minister dismisses a Northern Ireland border poll, triggering pushback from Sinn Féin over Good Friday Agreement legislation.Iceland Rejects EU Talks: Why 53% of Icelandic voters blocked restarting EU accession talks to protect fishing rights despite existing EFTA and Schengen ties.Pacific Quay's Audience Slump: Radio Scotland’s morning slot suffers a 40% listener drop as critics compare the empty BBC headquarters to a redundant call centre.Scottish Visas & Realpolitik: Business leaders push for tailored migration schemes, while SNP Westminster leader Dave Doogan courts controversy over negotiating with any party.District Heating Progress: How Aberdeen is utilizing existing gas riser routes to connect homes directly to clean district heating networks.LinksWill Burnham rewrite UK constitution and try to handcuff in the Celts? https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/aug/02/devolution-programme-written-uk-constitution-andy-burnham The authorless Burnham Programme Websitehttps://theburnhamprogramme.co.uk Burnarism Consitutional Reform https://theburnhamprogramme.co.uk/burnham-written-constitution-devolution ★ Support this podcast ★

  6. Aug 25

    Well and truly battered

    From cringeworthy UK government social media stunts involving boxes of fish and chips to the ongoing fall out of the BBC Glasgow documentry and the systemic failure of local democracy, this week Lesley and Fraser unravel the disconnect between political PR and real community power. Whether it is ministers trying to "wrap their arms around" energy planning policy, Nordic journalists wondering why Scotland did not seize post-Brexit independence, or feudal landowners holding vital community ferry links hostage, the theme remains constant: Scotland urgently needs genuine local agency and strategic collaboration. In this episode, we discuss: The Scotland Office Fish & Chip Flop: Lesley and Fraser dissect a "woeful" UK government social media clip featuring MP Melanie Ward attempting to illustrate unionist economic points with two sizes of fish and chips. Data Centres, Energy Grid & District Heating: Following news that data centre planning applications exceeding 50 megawatts must now be reported to Scottish ministers within seven days, the pod dives into the massive energy and water demands of hyperscale facilities. Lesley highlights the missed opportunity around waste heat, arguing that data centres should be strictly mandated to supply district heating to local communities as a condition of planning consent.Community Resistance at Cockenzie: A look at the fierce local opposition in East Lothian over proposed data centre developments at the former Cockenzie power station site. Despite being well-connected to offshore wind landing points from North Berwick Bank, local communities remain skeptical due to a lack of national strategy and meaningful local consultation.Lessons from a Nordic Journalist: Lesley recounts a conversation in Dundee with a visiting Nordic journalist who was baffled by Scotland's post-Brexit hesitation to pursue independence. The discussion covers Scotland's top-heavy system of 32 giant local councils, the lack of collaboration between SNP leadership and civic think tanks like Common Weal or the Scottish Currency Group, and the essential role of local empowerment.Housing First vs. Social Housing Targets: Comparing Andy Burnham’s homelessness initiative in Manchester with housing targets across the UK. The pod examines the Scottish Government's pledge for 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 alongside the structural hurdles created by volume housebuilders land-banking prime sites.Great Bernera's Legal Aid Absurdity: How a community on Great Bernera—already struggling with a stalled buyout due to an absentee landowner—is now facing crippling legal fees as dog owner sues them for refusing her entry with her dog. Feudal Dues on the Glenelg Ferry: The unique MV Glenachulish—the world's last manual turntable car ferry operating between Glenelg and Skye—faces a crisis due to ancient "right to ferry" feudal dues claimed by absentee landowner Richard Oliphant. Community campaigners, supported by former MSP Andy Wightman, are exploring a Community Right to Buy or legal action to save the vital crossing.BBC Scotland Cuts & "Welcome to Glasgow" Slant: With 60 jobs on the line and the BBC Scotland channel facing severe pressure, Lesley and Fraser critique the controversial Welcome to Glasgow documentary. They highlight how the programme relied heavily on a self-appointed vigilante group while failing to consult the Violence Reduction Unit or examine systemic deprivation.Barclays Five & Direct Action: A major legal milestone as a judge rules that five Palestine Action activists facing charges over damage to a Barclays branch in Lancashire will not be sentenced under terrorism legislation.Links & Mentioned Events: Support the Podcast: Lesley Riddoch Podcast SupportEast Lothian Courier Article: Coverage of the standing-room-only Cockenzie House community meeting regarding data centre proposals.Bramble Ice Cream Recipe Link: Included in this week's show notes following popular demand. ★ Support this podcast ★

  7. Aug 18

    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 ★

  8. 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 ★

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4.9
out of 5
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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

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