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Holyrood Sources

Shortbread Media
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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.

  1. 23H AGO

    Anas Sarwar’s Gamble, Your Questions Answered and Remembering Jeane Freeman

    In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver dissect further fallout from Anas Sarwar's dramatic calls for Keir Starmer to resign. Now the dust has settled we break down the political implications and potential outcomes heading into the Scottish Parliament election. Was this a failed coup? A bold strategic move? Or the beginning of a fundamental split between Scottish Labour and Westminster? Why did Sarwar make his move against Starmer now and will John Swinney and the SNP be able to exploit the fallout? We also remember former Scottish Health Secretary, Jeane Freeman, who passed away this week at the age of 72. And stay tuned until the end of today's episode to hear your questions answered. Calum, Geoff and Andy discuss citizen's assemblies in Scotland, exploiting Scotland's wind energy potentially and whether or not the mainstream media is unfair towards Reform UK. 📩 Join the conversation: WhatsApp us on 0333 404 6507 or send a voice note to feature in a future episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min

  2. 2D AGO · BONUS

    Anas Sarwar Calls for Keir Starmer to Resign

    Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign — and the political fallout could reshape the Holyrood election. In this special Holyrood Sources episode, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver break down a day of extraordinary political drama. 👉 Is this a bold act of leadership — or a desperate gamble? 👉 Does this prove Scottish Labour is still just a “branch office”? 👉 Could this actually help Sarwar in May’s election? 👉 What happens if Starmer survives? With Labour infighting, cabinet briefings, Westminster chaos and Scottish election strategy all colliding, this could be one of the most consequential political days in years. Topics covered: Why Sarwar made his move nowLabour Party civil war and briefing battlesThe “branch office” problem for Scottish LabourHow voters might reactWhat this means for the SNP and ReformIs this political bravery or a Hail Mary?🎧 Holyrood Sources brings insider analysis from people who’ve run campaigns at the highest level of UK and Scottish politics. 📩 Get in touch: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min

  3. FEB 4

    Tactical Boost for the SNP, Is Scotland Bad for Business, and Remembering Jim Wallace

    In this episode of Holyrood Sources, we remember Scotland's first Deputy First Minister, Jim Wallace as Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver are joined by former Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Tavish Scott to discuss Jim's political career and legacy. Before that, this episode also discusses reports that the Scottish Greens will stand aside in most constituency seats, giving the SNP a clear run — and whether this could boost John Swinney’s chances of an outright majority. Andy and Geoff also examine the growing impact of Reform UK, and why they may be the SNP’s biggest unintended ally. The panel also reacts to Anas Sarwar’s pledge to ban trans women from female prisons, exploring Labour’s U-turns on gender policy and the risks for the Scottish Government as a court challenge unfolds. Later, Calum speaks to Chris Herd, founder of Firstbase, who explains why he had to leave Scotland for the US to build a nine-figure tech company — and what Scotland must change to stop the flight of talent and capital. 📩 Join the conversation: WhatsApp us on 0333 404 6507 or send a voice note to feature in a future episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min

  4. JAN 28

    100 Days to the Scottish Election: Reform Tax Cuts, SNP vs Starmer & Labour’s NHS Pitch

    In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives) break down the early battle lines of the Scottish parliamentary election. This episode discusses: 100 days to go until the Holyrood ElectionReform UK’s tax-cut pledge and Malcolm Offord’s riseWhy SNP messaging is focused on “sacking Keir Starmer”Labour’s “100 days to save the NHS” pitch — and why it may fall flatThe political fallout from Andy Burnham being blocked from returning to Westminster 📩 Join the conversation: WhatsApp us on 0333 404 6507 or send a voice note to feature in a future episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min

  5. JAN 22

    Scottish Voters Focus Group: Swinney, Sarwar, Starmer & Farage Assessed

    Voters in Falkirk, one of Scotland’s key constituencies, give their brutally honest verdict on the politicians who will shape the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. In this special episode of Holyrood Sources, we partner with polling experts More In Common to bring you a rare focus group of Labour 2024 voters — now drifting towards the SNP, Reform UK, or undecided. 🎧 You’ll hear unfiltered views on: John Swinney and whether the SNP has “lost its way”Anas Sarwar and Labour’s Westminster problemSir Keir Starmer’s leadership, trust, and the winter fuel payment backlashNigel Farage and Reform UK — and why his brand may be “detoxified” in ScotlandThe issues voters care about most: cost of living, NHS waiting times, education, immigration, and trust in politicsHosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond and Andy Maciver, former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives are joined by Luke Tryl, UK Director at More In Common. This episode takes you inside the minds of undecided Scottish voters — and shows why the next Holyrood election could be far closer than many expect. 📩 Join the conversation: WhatsApp us on 0333 404 6507 or send a voice note to feature in a future episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 8m

  6. JAN 15

    Farage, Starmer & Badenoch in Scotland as Poll Redraws Holyrood

    The first Scotland-wide poll of the 2026 Holyrood election year delivers a political shock: Reform UK level with Scottish Labour, the SNP ahead but without a majority, and serious questions for every party leader. On this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald is joined by Geoff Aberdein (former SNP Chief of Staff, True North Advisors) and Andy Maciver (former Scottish Conservative communications director) to break down what the numbers really mean. 🎯 In this episode:📊 New Holyrood poll analysis: SNP seat outlook, Labour vs Reform battle, and fragile margins⚠️ Why Reform UK may be helping the SNP in key constituencies🔴 Robert Jenrick sacked as Kemi Badenoch faces Tory defections to Reform🧭 Nigel Farage in Scotland & Malcolm Offord named Reform leader📉 Why Keir Starmer is deeply unpopular in Scotland – and why Labour wants him quiet💷 Scottish Budget reaction: tax thresholds, mansion tax, private jet levy & 11,000 public sector jobs at risk🗳️ Independence referendum row: Is Reform’s “10-year pause” realistic or nonsense?This is inside-baseball Scottish politics – polling, power, personalities and the election strategies already taking shape months before voters go to the polls. 📩 Get in touch: WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 Email: hello@hollyroodsources.com 🔔 Subscribe for weekly insider analysis as Scotland heads into a decisive election year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min

  7. JAN 7

    UK Elections 2026 Preview: Reform UK, Labour, SNP & Plaid Cymru

    The Sources Podcast hosts come together for a special New Year 2026 UK politics preview, analysing what could be the most volatile year in British politics for a generation. With local elections in England, Scottish Parliament elections, Senedd elections in Wales, and mounting pressure on the Northern Ireland Executive, this episode explores how the rise of Reform UK, growing voter fragmentation, and Labour’s governing challenges could reshape the UK’s political map. 🎙️ Featuring voices from: Whitehall Sources Holyrood Sources Stormont Sources Senedd Sources 🔍 In this episode: Is Reform UK becoming a permanent force in British politics? Can Keir Starmer’s Labour government survive a brutal May election? Why the Greens and Gaza independents are threatening Labour in cities Will SNP dominance in Scotland finally crack — and if so, who replaces them? Could Plaid Cymru lead Wales for the first time? How stable is Stormont, and could it collapse again before 2027? What a fragmented UK means for the future of the Union This is essential listening for anyone trying to understand UK elections 2026, Nigel Farage’s influence, Labour’s political future, and the growing instability across Britain’s devolved governments. 📌 Subscribe for weekly insider analysis from Westminster, Holyrood, Stormont and the Senedd. ** The Holyrood Sources podcast brings the best analysis of Scottish politics with those who have lived it as Special Advisers, and those who are current and former politicians and political party leaders. Join Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Former Chief of Staff to First Minister Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (Former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives). Subscribe now Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/holyrood-sources/id1673972192 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fj3emmRONEr8aSkhcMgoH?si=789c7874034340c6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 12m

  8. 12/31/2025

    Hogmanay Special

    Happy New Year from everyone at Holyrood Sources! On a special episode of the podcast, Calum Macdonald takes a look back at our first ever Christmas Pub Quiz. You can hear a live Q&A session with Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver as they answer questions from attendees at Malones in Edinburgh. Be sure to listen out for their heckles as well, as we bring you some of the best moments from the Scottish politics round of the quiz, hosted by Calum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Channel
    Shortbread Media
  • Creator
    Shortbread Media
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    210
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shortbread Media
  • Show Website
    Holyrood Sources
  • Provider
    Shortbread Media

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