Shortbread Media

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Channel • 4 Shows

News Commentary

News Commentary

Updated weekly
Politics

Politics

Updated weekly
Politics

Politics

Updated weekly
News

News

Updated weekly

06/08/2025

Scottish Politics Needs Big Ideas... So Where Are They?

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum MacDonald, Geoff Aberdeen, and Andy Maciver take your questions. They discuss the departure of Kate Forbes from the SNP and its implications, touching on her appeal to centrist voters and the challenges facing the party. The conversation then moves onto the broader political landscape, including the potential return of Ian Blackford, coalition possibilities, and the role of mayors in Scotland. The hosts engage with listener questions, reflecting on the need for bold political ideas and the current state of political engagement in Scotland. The episode concludes with a call for more substantive political discourse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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.
19/03/2025

Getting Scotland working

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast we focus on the recent welfare reforms announced by the UK government and their implications for Scotland. We discuss the challenges faced by the Scottish government in managing its budget amidst these reforms, the economic inactivity among young people, and the political dynamics between the SNP and Labour Party. The conversation highlights the impact of welfare on society and the need for economic growth, while also considering the future landscape of Scottish politics as several key figures announce their plans to step down. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges faced by the SNP in attracting diverse candidates for political positions, the need for reform in the political selection process, and the pressing issues surrounding energy transition and economic growth in Scotland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
20/09/2023

IndyRef: Johann Lamont & Stephen Noon

Calum, Geoff and Andy are joined by Johann Lamont who was the Leader of the Scottish Labour Party from 2011 to 2014, during the independence referendum campaign; and Stephen Noon, who was chief strategist of the Yes Campaign and senior policy advisor to the First Minister. We discuss the referendum’s impact on people and politicians, whether there’s a way forward from here - and whether a binary referendum should ever be tried again. Plus Geoff and Andy have a row. Calum mediates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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.
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.
06/11/2025

Paul Givan as he faces a No Confidence Motion Over Israel Trip

In this episode of Stormont Sources, Education Minister Paul Givan joins David McCann, Tim Cairns, and Michael McKernan to address the political firestorm surrounding his Israel trip, the no confidence motion he now faces, and the growing tensions inside the Northern Ireland Executive. Givan defends his actions, challenges claims of departmental impropriety, and responds directly to criticism from across the political spectrum. The conversation expands into a heated exchange over Israel, Gaza, and Northern Ireland’s divided reaction to the conflict — with comparisons to other global crises, from China’s treatment of the Uyghurs to Sudan. Later, the panel debates: Whether Stormont is heading for another collapse Why unionists feel they’re being held to a “different standard” The future of power-sharing between the DUP, Sinn Féin, and the Alliance Party Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
13/03/2025

Northern Ireland and Donald Trump

In this episode of Stormont Sources, we discuss the significance of Northern Ireland's political engagement with the United States, with St Patrick's Day on the horizon. We explore the varying impacts of the Trump administration on Northern Ireland, the implications of Sinn Féin's boycott of the White House, and the economic outcomes of political visits. The conversation also highlights Micheál Martin's diplomatic skills and the DUP's relationship with President Trump, questioning the motivations behind their engagement with a country that historically severed ties with Britain. We also discuss the intricate relationship between the UK and the US, particularly in the context of Northern Ireland's political landscape. Is there sufficient scrutiny surrounding government decisions, particularly regarding fiscal policies such as rate increases? The discussion notes the need for targeted fiscal responsibility and innovative economic strategies, as well as the challenges faced by the opposition in presenting coherent narratives. The conversation culminates in a debate about the contentious issue of water charges and the public's perception of such policies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Scottish Politics Needs Big Ideas... So Where Are They?

Tories Kick Out MS & Eluned Morgan Fights Back

Christmas Special: 2025 in Welsh Politics & Lord Simon Hart

Getting Scotland working

IndyRef: Johann Lamont & Stephen Noon

Programme - or Vision - for Government?

Youth Votes and Executive Tensions

Plaid–Labour Budget Deal Explained & Tom Giffard Interview

Paul Givan as he faces a No Confidence Motion Over Israel Trip

Northern Ireland and Donald Trump

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