Holyrood Sources Shortbread Media

MSPs for Mid Scotland and Fife Liz Smith and Murdo Fraser join Calum and Andy to unpick what the future holds for the Scottish Conservatives, as well as reflect on its past. Potentially the next leader of the party, Murdo Fraser admits it was a mistake to try and split from the UK party in 2011 (which derailed his previous leadership bid), and suggests that he would be open to working with a new party, headed by...Kate Forbes.
Plus, does Holyrood need an upper chamber? And why is Scotland's devolution underperforming, compared to England? And how detrimental might that prove to be? All in today's episode. 
This episode is sponsored by Port of Aberdeen. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.
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The Holyrood Sources Island Tour begins at Lews Castle in Stornoway and Calum, Geoff and Andy are joined by new Labour MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Torcuil Crichton to pick apart the details of GB Energy, whether to introduce toll roads in Scotland and how to kickstart the development of the islands and begin the shift away from a Westminster and Holyrood-focussed perception of their management. 
The Islands Tour is powered by SSE. This episode is sponsored by Port of Aberdeen.


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In this conversation, the hosts discuss the first week of Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party, the challenges facing the SNP and the Scottish Conservatives, and the future of the Scottish Liberal Democrats. They also interview Angus MacDonald, the newly elected Liberal Democrat MP for Inverness, Sky and West Rosshire, who shares his experiences and goals as a member of parliament.
Plus, Sam White, former Chief of Staff for Sir Keir Starmer, discusses his time working with Starmer and the Labour Party's political strategy. He reflects on the party's turnaround from a low point to a 170+ majority in just one term of office. White describes Starmer as an evidence-led politician and policymaker who weighs decisions carefully. He also addresses concerns about Starmer's ability to adapt to the pressures of government and the challenges of the media landscape. White emphasises the importance of conveying the truth about the need for long-term change and renewal.
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The podcast discusses the results of the general election and the implications for various political parties in Scotland. The Labour Party achieved a landslide victory, adding more than 200 seats, while the SNP suffered a significant defeat, losing 38 seats. The Scottish Conservatives held onto five seats but faced criticism for their performance. The conversation explores the lessons learned from the election, the role of independence in Scottish politics, and the need for parties to focus on delivering results for the electorate.

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With less than 24 hours to go until the United Kingdom goes to the polls, Calum, Andy, Geoff and Cat Headley pick over the last remaining questions: how much influence can Scottish MPs play in a (potentially) Labour government? How much is voter disillusionment going to be the theme of the election? What's it like to be a candidate on election night? 
Plus, they give their Scottish seat predictions... and wrestle some mental maths, too.
This episode is sponsored by Port of Aberdeen. Find out more at https://www.portofaberdeen.co.uk/ Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.
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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer says “the culture of politics" needs to change in light of the investigations into allegations of gambling on the general election from both Conservative and Labour figures. Calum, Geoff, Andy and Cat Headley discuss what can be done to address the relationship between politics and gambling, and whether anything should be done at all. 
Plus, if IndyRef2 becomes a fading prospect, what is the point of the Scottish Conservatives? Who's had a good election campaign? And who's had a bad one? All in today's episode. 
This episode is sponsored by Port of Aberdeen. Find out more at https://www.portofaberdeen.co.uk/
Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources.



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