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−3 d

The Tories Win Stephen Flynn's Old Seat

The overnight by-election results are in, and Scottish politics has been turned completely on its head! In this bonus episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver break down a seismic night that saw the Scottish Conservatives secure a historic victory in Aberdeen South—their first by-election win since 1973. The panel dives into how Douglas Lumsden and Kemi Badenoch "dictated the terms" of the campaign by going all-in on oil and gas, leaving John Swinney’s SNP facing a brutal wake-up call over their muddled energy policy. We also look at the internal SNP friction exploding on X/Twitter between Stephen Flynn and Kate Higgins. Plus, we head south to Makerfield where Andy Burnham's massive 55% win has triggered what looks like an inevitable, high-stakes Labour leadership battle with a defiant Sir Keir Starmer. Is Starmer completely delusional, or can he survive a battle of ideas? 💬 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! What is your reaction to the Aberdeen South result? Is the SNP's position on oil and gas completely broken? 📱 WhatsApp us: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Holyrood) and we might read your thoughts out on next week's episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

−3 d

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33 min
−6 d

Can the Tories Win Stephen Flynn’s Old Seat?

The Tartan Army takes over Boston, a knife-edge by-election battle in Aberdeen South, and a potential Labour coronation looming in Makerfield. In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver dive into a massive week of political drama across Scotland and the wider UK. Fresh off his travels to see Scotland play Haiti at the 2026 World Cup, Geoff gives an insider look at Scotland’s massive "soft power" and how it ties into John Swinney’s economic push in the US. Then, the team unpacks this week's critical Westminster by-elections. In Aberdeen South, Stephen Flynn’s old constituency is turning into an absolute two-horse race between the SNP and the Scottish Conservatives—where energy policy, the oil and gas sector, and the rise of Reform UK could entirely dictate the outcome. Meanwhile, is Arbroath and Broughty Ferry a guaranteed SNP hold despite ongoing party turmoil? Finally, we head south to Makerfield, where Andy Burnham is dicing with political destiny. If Burnham wins, are we heading for a bloody leadership battle against Keir Starmer, or an outright coronation? And what does a potential Burnham premiership mean for Scottish devolution and fiscal autonomy? Follow Holyrood Sources on X/Twitter: @HolyroodSources #ScottishPolitics #HolyroodSources #AndyBurnham #KeirStarmer #SNP #ScottishConservatives #AberdeenSouth #MakerfieldByElection #WorldCup2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

−6 d

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41 min
10 juni

Will John Swinney Face a Westminster Inquiry Over Peter Murrell?

The Scottish Parliament is running, but is it actually getting anything done? In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver dive into a massive week for Scottish politics. As Scottish Labour forces a vote on a parliamentary inquiry into Peter Murrell’s embezzlement from the SNP, First Minister John Swinney faces intense pressure over his handling of the situation. Should he have brought in a KC to clean house, or is he right to treat it as "case closed"? We break down the constitutional battle brewing as Westminster's Scottish Affairs Committee threatens to step in. Plus, we expose a glaring economic contradiction at the heart of the Scottish Government: debating wealth taxes one week and demanding economic growth the next. We also react to a brilliant, straight-talking 6-point listener manifesto for the SNP, debate the failure of elected committee conveners, and unpack the transport chaos plaguing Scotland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 juni

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41 min
3 juni

Jack McConnell, Alex Cole-Hamilton & Ivan McKee | Scotland 2050

On today's episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver record live from The Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh at the Scotland 2050 Conference. The conference brings together people from the world of business, politics and civic society to discuss Scotland's long term potential. Former First Minister Lord Jack McConnell, Scottish Lib-Dem Leader Alex Cole-Hamilton and Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform Ivan McKee join Calum and Andy. They discuss where the country sits after the 2026 Scottish Parliament election and how politicians can start to look at the big picture. Is Scotland in need of total public service reform?Will Peter Murrell's guilty plea hurt Scottish politics in the long term, and would a parliamentary inquiry help?How does the new cabinet balance providing high quality public services whilst maintaining the Scottish economy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3 juni

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1 tim 9 min
27 maj

Peter Murrell Pleads Guilty, John Swinney's New Cabinet and Tony Blair

On today's episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver break down a bombshell week in Scottish politics. Peter Murrell has pleaded guilty to embezzlement from the SNP. What does this mean for the party, The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon and trust in politics in general? John Swinney has also appointed his new Scottish Cabinet, was his new slimmed down top team the right way to go? How will Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins perform in their new Holyrood roles. How will Ivan McKee do after being promoted to Cabinet Secretary for Public Service reform? You can listen to our 2025 interview with him here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1EO5bkEpwRRPpjnYeOL81I?si=-YP5RgaGSAKtH_d3RoVaMQ And what does Tony Blair's intervention this week mean for the UK Labour Party, is it time to start listening to the former Prime Minister? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

27 maj

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52 min
26 mars

The End of an Era? Live from the Scottish Parliament

Is Holyrood broken? On the final day of the parliamentary session, the Holyrood Sources team (Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver) are LIVE from outside the Scottish Parliament. As 42 MSPs prepare to walk out of these doors for the last time, we speak to the politicians left standing. From the "Tory Trinity" to the SNP's internal shifts and the growing shadow of Reform UK, this episode dives into the fractious nature of the last session and what the "long campaign" means for your pocketbook. Key Topics Covered: The Energy Crisis: Why the North Sea is the ultimate political football. The Reform Threat: Will the next parliament be the "Wild West"? Legacy vs. Reality: Has Holyrood become too distant from the people? The 1999 Club: Who is left from the original parliament? Featured Guests: Brian Whittle (Con), Michelle Thompson (SNP), Marie Todd (SNP), Emma Roddick (SNP), Megan Gallacher (Con), Jackson Carlaw (Con), Murdo Fraser (Con), and Graham Simpson (Reform). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

26 mars

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51 min
20 maj

Scotland's New MSPs: Live from Edinburgh Gin Distillery

On this special live episode of Holyrood Sources: Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver are joined by MSPs, journalists and backroom staff at the Edinburgh Gin Distillery, a stone's throw from The Scottish Parliament. They are joined by three brand new MSPs from the three biggest parties at Holyrood to discuss what the next five years could bring: Katherine Sangster from Scottish Labour, Reform UK Scotland Leader Malcolm Offord and former SNP Westminster Leader Stephen Flynn. What does the future hold for Anas Sarwar and Keir Starmer? Can either survive after devastating results across the UK and in Scotland. Will Reform be the foxes in the hen house... are they as cunning as they make out to be? How does the SNP actually get stuff done, and how does Stephen Flynn live up to his promise as a "champion" of Aberdeen's oil and gas industry. This Holyrood Sources live event was sponsored by Scottish Renewables and SSE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 maj

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50 min
6 maj

The End of the Campaign: Poll Trends, Key Moments & Surprises

It's the day before the 2026 Scottish Parliament election! This episode of Holyrood Sources looks back at the campaign. Calum Macdonald is joined by Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver to analyse the latest polling trends, what’s really happening beneath the headline numbers, Is SNP support as solid as it seems?Why the list vote could be the real danger zone for the SNPThe rise of Reform UK — protest vote or lasting force?Are Labour and the Conservatives heading for historic lows? We also revisit the defining moments of the campaign — from fiery debate clashes to the surreal whisky tariff saga — and ask whether any of it has actually cut through with voters. And in a special segment, journalism student Logan Smith puts the team on the spot with questions about Reform UK, the future of conservatism in Scotland, and what comes next for Scottish politics. With low turnout expected and tight margins across the board, could results night deliver some major surprises? Don’t miss our LIVE results stream from outside the Scottish Parliament, Friday at 7pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 maj

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51 min
23 apr.

Why This Election Campaign is "Dispiriting"

The Holyrood Sources team is back to break down a week of political name-calling, tactical blunders, and Westminster turmoil. In this episode, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to the First Minister), and Andy Maciver (former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives) dive into the "immature" state of the current election campaign. From Anas Sarwar and Graham Simpson’s public spats to John Swinney’s decision to skip the BBC Question Time leaders' debate, the team asks: where are the big ideas? We also analyse the "terminal" situation for Sir Keir Starmer at Westminster. With Ollie Robbins sacked and Cabinet ministers struggling to defend the Prime Minister, is Starmer being held "hostage" by his own colleagues until May 7th? In this episode: The "Pathetic" Campaign: Why the focus on deals and name-calling is failing Scottish voters. SNP’s Food Price Cap: Is the cap on food prices a "gimmick" or a strategic masterstroke? The Starmer Crisis: Analysing the dismissal of Olly Robbins and the silence of the Labour Cabinet. John Swinney’s Debate Absence: Is the First Minister "running scared" or making a tactical calculation? Follow Holyrood Sources: ✉️ Email: hello@holyroodsources.com 💬 WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 🌐 Website: holyroodsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23 apr.

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36 min
17 maj

Sources Crossover: Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver on the GB election results

On this special edition of Stormont Sources, Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver from the Whitehall Sources and Holyrood Sources podcasts join David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan to discuss how the results of the Welsh, Scottish and English elections will impact the UK as a whole and Northern Ireland. What will 3 nationalist First Ministers do for the state of the union... and is that statistic misleading? Where do Reform UK lie after an excellent night of resultsCan Keir Starmer survive as Prime Minister? Stormont Sources is the place to hear all about politics and policy making in Northern Ireland. . Join journalist, David McCann, plus Tim Cairns, a former Special Advisor to First Minister Peter Robinson and Head of Policy for the DUP and Micheal McKernan, a former Special Advisor in the SDLP who worked in the Northern Ireland Executive from 2007-2016. Whitehall Sources brings you insider coverage of Westminster, and Senedd Sources takes you inside politics in Wales. Subscribe to all four podcasts on YouTube and your podcast app to never miss a moment from across UK politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17 maj

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37 min

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

5,0 (1)

Nyheter
Top advisers to our significant political leaders analyse the successes and failures of today's politics, sharing their experiences of working in Whitehall. Jo Tanner is a political adviser and strategist who's worked with politicians from all parties - she's Managing Partner at Rud Pedersen UK. James Nation was Deputy Head of the Number 10 Policy Unit, Special Adviser to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak and is now Managing Director at Forefront Advisers. Journalist and broadcaster Calum Macdonald manages their in-tray of talking points, U-turns and crises. From parties in Westminster to the tactics of SpAds, this is your exclusive insight into how politics is done and how politicians work. We welcome insiders and analysts to join the conversation each week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

0,0 (0)

Politik
Welcome inside politics in Northern Ireland. Listen to the podcast which brings you analysis, insight and experience from Stormont. Join journalist, David McCann, plus Tim Cairns, a former Special Advisor to Peter Robinson and Head of Policy for the DUP and Micheal McKernan, a former Special Advisor in the SDLP worked in the Executive from 2007-2016. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

0,0 (0)

Politik

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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The Tories Win Stephen Flynn's Old Seat

Can the Tories Win Stephen Flynn’s Old Seat?

Will John Swinney Face a Westminster Inquiry Over Peter Murrell?

Jack McConnell, Alex Cole-Hamilton & Ivan McKee | Scotland 2050

Peter Murrell Pleads Guilty, John Swinney's New Cabinet and Tony Blair

The End of an Era? Live from the Scottish Parliament

Scotland's New MSPs: Live from Edinburgh Gin Distillery

The End of the Campaign: Poll Trends, Key Moments & Surprises

Why This Election Campaign is "Dispiriting"

Sources Crossover: Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver on the GB election results

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Farage in Scotland and Labour's By-Election Shambles

Double Jobbing & Vote Labour to Stop Labour

The Rise of Reform UK in Scotland

Labour and SNP Draw Level

Special Announcement

The Budget... with Catherine Macleod

SNP Conference: The Pub

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