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. 5d ago

    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 ★

  2. 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 ★

  3. 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 ★

  4. 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 ★

  5. Jul 21

    Things Can Only Get Slightly Different

    It is a week of brutal purges, shifting cabinets, and dramatic resets across the London political landscape. Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson deliver their analysis on a fast-moving news cycle as Prime Minister Andy Burnham takes the keys to Number 10 and Sir Keir Starmer retreats to the pub with his ousted frontbench. From cutting energy VAT and scrapping the digital ID scheme to breaking news of a desperate Thames Water bailout offer, they strip away the Westminster spin to ask if this newer Labour administration can truly 'rewire' Britain or if it's all just temporary vibes.  In this episode, we discuss: The Burnham Purge & Starmer's Pub of the Damned: An breakdown of the cabinet reshuffle that saw Sir Keir Starmer replaced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. We analyze the northern-heavy cabinet, including Ed Miliband's move to Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper at Health, Miata Fanabulla entering Net Zero, and Louise Haigh's return, while disgruntled Starmerites lick their wounds over pints in a London pub.Ditching the Digital ID for Energy VAT Cuts: We unpick Burnham’s headline policy—saving billpayers a modest £45 a year by cutting the 5% domestic energy VAT, funded by axing the digital ID scheme. We look at the OBR’s warnings that these departmental savings are completely unidentified and look to Estonia to explain why a genuine, trust-based society is required to build a real digital nation.Devolution Contradictions & Jack McConnell: Former First Minister Jack McConnell took to the airwaves to defend the new devolution agenda, but we examine how he quickly tied himself in knots over energy control. We explore Labour’s deep disconnect with rural Scotland and why Burnham's plans to emulate Germany's federalised government structure ignore truly local government.The Thames Water Legal Tussle: Breaking news hits the podcast mid-record as a consortium of lenders offers a "golden share" to the UK government to prevent Thames Water from crashing into nationalisation. Lesley explains why the Burnham government should actively welcome a high-profile legal fight with foreign private equity firms to prove they mean business.Housing First in Finland and Scotland: We look at the long-term success of Helsinki’s Housing First program, which dramatically cuts emergency service costs by providing stable housing and community support before tackling addiction. With 26 out of Scotland's 32 local authorities already operating Housing First, we note that Scotland is already leading the way where England struggles.Deconstructing Starmer's Wooden Exit: While the mainstream commentariat swooned over Starmer’s final PMQs, we pull away the Emperor's clothes. From his absolute refusal to admit to policy U-turns to his viral primary school anecdote, we explain how his hand-picked gallery guests failed to mask his legacy of two-child benefit caps and winter fuel cuts.Summer Break & Bramble Homework: The podcast takes its summer recess for the next two weeks, returning on Tuesday, August 11th. Fraser sets your holiday homework to challenge your local MPs and MSPs on independence, while Lesley provides a far sweeter alternative: get out to pick this year’s bumper crop of mega-brambles and make your own ice cream!Links Glasgow Times River Clyde Pool Project - https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/26290574.ambitious-plans-floating-swimming-pool-river-clyde/ Finland Film - https://youtu.be/J1mpytgMIBU?si=k_Gz8hmFwM7J_k3T Lesley's Bramble Ice Cream Recipe - https://www.bakedbyanintrovert.com/fresh-blackberry-ice-cream-no-churn/#recipe ★ Support this podcast ★

  6. Jul 14

    From Manchester to Holyrood: Can John Swinney Outbold Prime Minister Burnham?

    Well folks, it’s a week of unprecedented political shifts and fast-moving news. This week, Lesley and Fraser digest a historic transition as Keir Starmer departs and Andy Burnham takes over as the new Prime Minister. We unpack the massive policy choices landing immediately on the new PM’s desk—from splitting the Treasury to making defining calls on North Sea energy. Meanwhile, Reform UK launches a bizarre, hostile bid to criminalize the Scots Gaelic language in election materials, Nigel Farage braces for a resumed standards committee investigation in Clacton, and fresh historic accounts stir up the debate on independent campaign funds. Finally, we reflect on the tragic murder of Anne Widdecombe, the toxic rush of social media narratives, and why the simple, civil connections of community—and a bit of no-nonsense Scottish gardening—keep us grounded. 1. More in Common 11 focus groups say Burnham's election at Makerfield is final chance for labour/uk/andy burnham       https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/research/makerfield/  2. Farage and crypto John Harris - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jul/12/nigel-farage-cryptocurrency-rightwing-politicians-money-uk 3. Farage security  The i Paper team report that Farage turned down an offer of taxpayer-funded security including a bodyguard, car and trained driver last year. 4. Manchesterism - Prof Mike Danson on Gtr Glasgow Gtr Manchester comparisons https://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/07/08/on-no-10-north-and-the-limits-of-manchesterism/ 5. Leave Ann Widdicombe's sexual history out of it column by Rebecca McCurdy https://www.heraldscotland.com/newsletters/bulletin/1897/?nid=1897&ref=eb ★ Support this podcast ★

  7. Jul 7

    If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium

    It’s a week of breaking press conferences and transatlantic sporting drama. This week, Lesley and Fraser try to find their feet amidst a fast-moving political news cycle, broadcasting through recycling collection interruptions and unexpected announcements. From Donald Trump's latest ego-driven phone call to FIFA to Nigel Farage's high-stakes scramble over undeclared cash and property portfolios, we unpack the creeping Americanisation and deep-seated corruption sweeping modern politics. Meanwhile, we look South at Andy (the North) Burnham’s patronising stance on Scottish devolution and question how the grassroots independence movement can move forward cleanly with its campaign funds. In this episode, we discuss: Trump, FIFA, and Waffles: We chew over Donald Trump's ridiculous phone call to FIFA to get a player's red card ban delayed—a move that spectacularly backfired as Belgium thumped the US team 4-1 anyway. We dive into the corporate corruption of FIFA rolling into town tax-free, leaving host nations like South Africa lumbered with multi-billion-pound bills.  Farage’s Clacton Crisis: Recorded right before his 2 PM showdown, we analyse breaking news regarding Nigel Farage's future in public life. Under intense scrutiny over undeclared security cash, luxury stays, and a mortgage-free £4 million property portfolio, the donations he has received from crypto-billionaires and convicted fraudsters, we ask: is he about to jump before he’s pushed by a Standards Commission recall petition?  The King of the North vs. Scottish Self-Determination: We dissect Andy Burnham’s predictable words to the Scots, offering regional devolution crumbs while denying Scotland the right to choose its own constitutional future. We contrast this with the media’s sudden interest in an Irish border poll, noting how Scotland’s constitutional fight is being woundingly ignored by the wider news cycle.  Cleaning Up the Indy Dosh: With questions lingering over old Yes Scotland accounts and the potential return of Peter Murrell's misappropriated SNP money, Fraser and Lesley look at how to build trust. We debate the necessity of setting up an independent fun managed by a well-respected, neutral board to confidently kickstart a fresh independence campaign for 2027. Linkshttps://donation.dec.org.uk/venezuela-earthquake-appeal ★ Support this podcast ★

  8. Jun 30

    Twa Islands

    It’s a tale of two islands and two very different political visions this week. With Lesley broadcasting from the quiet, remote shores of Gola Island in Donegal and Fraser pitching up on the Isle of Bute, the pair unpack a massive week of infrastructure breakthroughs, constitutional questions, and sporting heartbreak. From Shetland finally securing a green light for subsea tunnels to Andy Burnham’s bold decentralisation agenda shaking up Manchester and Westminster alike, we ask whether Scotland’s highly centralised governance is ready to respond to fresh thinking. Plus, we mourn the Tartan Army's World Cup exit, take a look at the state of youth football coaching (not our area). Linkshttps://labourlist.org/2026/06/is-fiscal-devolution-the-missing-piece-of-manchesterism/ ★ 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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