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. 1d ago

    Big Men Laid Low

    Well, it seems the big men being laid low is the theme of the moment. Lesley and Fraser are back to discuss a busy week. Lesley has been in all parts, taking in the incredible Orkney Folk Festival and witnessing the seamless infrastructure of the Netherlands, before returning to the rather less seamless Edinburgh Airport. Back in Scotland, the Peter Murrell narrative has been laid out, leaving many in the Yes movement feeling directionless. We look at the abject failure of governance within the SNP. Plus, a look down South at the latest Mandelson revalations. In this episode, we discuss: Orkney and the Netherlands: Lesley reflects on a week of incredible, volunteer-led musicianship at the Orkney Folk Festival. We also compare the well-maintained, cycle-friendly infrastructure of the Netherlands with the sad state of Edinburgh Airport's rolled-up corrugated paper door wedges.Operation Hingaboot Mark II: A large crowd gathered outside Holyrood for the Section 30 request vote. We discuss the ongoing disconnect between the SNP corporate leadership and the grassroots Yes movementPeter Murrell and SNP Governance: Following Peter Murrell's guilty plea, we unpack the agreed narrative of financial mismanagement. We examine the culture of deference that allowed £12,500 of Apple products and a £3,500 silver wine coaster to be coded without curiosity, and how those who tried to raise concerns—like the "Good Guys" slate on the NEC and members of the Finance and Audit Committee—were sidelined and frustrated.Labour's Leaks and Leadership: The latest document dump reveals damning WhatsApp connections between Peter Mandelson and Pat McFadden, who seems to lament the idea of taxing to pay benefits. With Keir Starmer's slow-moving demise, Andy Burnham's by-election date set, and Tony Blair wading into the policy debate, Labour is looking increasingly rudderless.Education and NEETs: Reflecting on Alan Milburn's report on young people not in employment, education, or training. We compare the UK's approach to the Dutch system's high engagement in vocational education and the need for a shift away from traditional, purely academic routes.Links Highland Clearances; communities fight back - CrowdfunderClearance site event at Rosal on June 12th-14th June ★ Support this podcast ★ If you're enjoying the podcast, you can become a pal or a buddy to help keep the pod going by heading to leslieriddock.com/podcast and following the links to subscribe. ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 9m

  2. May 26

    Lies and corruption....how do we move forwards?

    So much for the week off. Fraser and Lesley rush to the microphones for an unexpected, emergency podcast following Peter Murrell's guilty plea in Edinburgh.  With Lesley literally broadcasting from a hotel car park in Wick on her way to the mass rally outside Holyrood, we unpack what this catastrophic pivot moment means for the SNP and the wider independence movement.  In this episode, we discuss: The "Smoke-Filled Room": Why did the party choose to ignore the glaringly obvious warning signs for so long? * The Closed-Shop Legacy: Reflecting on the Sturgeon-Murrell era and how internal critics like Joanna Cherry and Douglas Chapman were sidelined.Corporate Festival vs. Grassroots Campaigning: How the party tilt shifted toward "Heathrow Lounges" and away from its own members.Taking Back the Mojo: Why the Yes movement needs to become a self-organising, self-authorising force rather than waiting on a nod from ANY party HQ. ★ Support this podcast ★

    29 min

  3. May 19

    FM Election and what next?

    From the incoming First Minister to an impending vote on a Section 30 order and a row brewing over William Wallace's safe conduct letter. We discuss the ongoing First Minister elections, with John Swinney set to be confirmed. We look at the parliamentary process, the inevitable outcome and why other party leaders put their names forward despite the forgone conclusion. Time for Scotland: John Swinney has promised a debate to ask for a Section 30 order on his first day of business. We put out a call as the Time for Scotland posse to all independence supporters to head to Holyrood with saltires next Tuesday evening to ensure the movement remains visible to broadcasters.New Cabinet: We chew over the runners and riders for the new cabinet, which John Swinney has promised will be gender-equal. Could Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins be stepping into key ministerial roles within the Scottish Government?Wallace's Letter: We share an exclusive tip-off from a respected Scottish historian regarding a rare safe conduct letter belonging to William Wallace. Currently on loan to Edinburgh from the National Archives at Kew, they now want it returned. Holyrood's New Presiding Officer: A look at the unexpected selection of Kenny Gibson as the new Presiding Officer, beating the supposed Scottish Government preferred candidate, Clare Haughey. Could his track record of not pulling punches liven up dull parliamentary debates?Andy Burnham and Devolution: We look South to the upcoming by-elections and Andy Burnham’s push to devolve power out of London. We unpack why his proposed model of directly elected mayors grafted onto collections of councils falls short of genuine democratic devolution.The Highland Clearances: Lesley discusses her recent interview with eminent historian Jim Hunter for an upcoming film about Strathnaver, bringing the harrowing history of the Clearances and figures like Patrick Sellar into sharp focus.LinksThe rose of all the world is not for me. I want for my part Only the little white rose of Scotland That smells sharp and sweet—and breaks the heart.Hugh MacDiarmid Professor James Hunter on life in Rosal pre-clearancehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07ShY03cc_g Who is josh simons? His greatest hits include spying on journalists and saying that people smugglers should be exiled to Scotland, had a majority of 5399 at the last General Election. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/14/who-is-josh-simons-labour-mp-andy-burnham ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 9m

  4. May 12

    Winners and Loosers

    In this week's bumper post-election edition—recorded at a frantic 2:06 PM on Tuesday as Jess Phillips resigns and the Westminster cabinet jitters intensify—Lesley and Fraser dissect a week of "wooden" communication and grassroots resilience. From Keir Starmer’s Scunthorpe gamble to the Saltires fluttering in the background of the BBC’s Holyrood studio and the singing Welsh. We discuss some of the comings and at time of recording not yet goings at Westminster as Keir Starmer looks increasingly shoogly in Number Ten. Before turning to look at all the post election news from Scotland – muse on the outcome and commiserate on the lack of cut through for smaller indy parties.  LinksAndrew Tickell on Anas Sarwar https://www.thenational.scot/politics/26092818.anas-sarwar-came-saw-lost-still-dont-learn/ Psalm of the People - https://www.sailmnandaoine.co.uk/Rob MacNeacail embarks on a road trip across Scotland and Ireland to explore the tradition of Gaelic psalm singing. An entertaining and heart-warming film about the power of community, family and the resilience needed to keep a language alive. Songs to learn 1. Freedom Come all Ye - Hamish Henderson Lyrics - https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/freedom-come-all-ye/ Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRyANctEHBs 2. Cap in hand - Proclaimers https://genius.com/The-proclaimers-cap-in-hand-lyrics 3. Mountain Thyme - ancient Scottish/Irish  https://irish-song-lyrics.com/Wild_Mountain_Thyme.shtml Poets mentionedGerda Stevenson - Quines - poems in tribute to women of Scotland https://luath.co.uk/products/quines?srsltid=AfmBOoq45f__MfEiouXPAzL0LSYPp1-9E7Q4I6RPJxVLkloUjEtpOsE8 Aonghas MacNeacail - https://www.scottishreviewofbooks.org/2012/06/black-angus-at-70/ ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 30m

  5. May 5

    Sailing home to victory?

    In this week's eposide it's the final sprint to the line or should that be tacking or gybing or something more nautical. We look at the current state of the campiagns including Lord Offord's run down of his wealth indicators and the many boats he has at his dispoal. Fraser reports back from the mood on the doors in the final week of the election including insight into how people are splitting their vote across the constituency and list ballots. We discuss the fall-out of the sucess in remoing whisky tarrifs to the USA following the state visit and the stooshie over who gets the credit. And where next after polling day. LinksNeil Mackay interview with Stephen Boyd - https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/viewpoint/26074300.not-one-political-party-offering-scotland-really-needs/ Scotonomics change to Resilient Economy -  www.resilienteconomy.org Kevin McKenna hatchet job on Malcolm Offord - https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/viewpoint/26076979.underdogs-reform-uk-scottish-greens-much-common/ Film CrowdfunderThe Women who Won https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/highland-clearances-two-communities-fight-back ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 18m

  6. Apr 28

    Mandates, Mandarins and the Mandelson Shadow

    Lesley and Fraser dive into a week of high-stakes testimony, "shadowy" Westminster figures, and the emeerging cross-party consensus in Scotland on when our children should actually start school. The Whitehall "Schmozzle" We look at the recent Foreign Affairs Committee sessions featuring the "Whitehall Mandarin" Philip Barton and Keir Starmer’s strategist, Morgan McSweeney. It was a masterclass in the "dark arts" of Number 10, with Emily Thornberry leading a blistering critique of the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador before his security vetting was even complete. From the "knife through the soul" of the Epstein revelations to the bizarre "Blitzkrieg" strategy to install Mandelson over George Osborne, we ask: is this just "jobs for the boys" by another name?. The Kindergarten Revolution Lesley reports back from a fascinating Upstart Scotland hustings where, for once, there was a strange glimmer of cross-party agreement. Even the "new man" Tory candidate seemed to accept the logic of raising the school starting age to seven. But while the Greens and Lib Dems are on board, the SNP government remains oddly "wobbly" on putting a proper kindergarten stage in their manifesto. We also look at the latest news on Ferry procurement, the SNP pledge on a section 30 order vote and constitutional convention and much more! LinksNOKUT (Norway): Developed a toolkit for recognising refugees' qualificationshttps://www.sciencenorway.no/immigration-integration-refugees/who-is-best-at-getting-refugees-into-the-workforce-norway-sweden-or-denmark/2082005 Highland Clearances; communities fight backhttps://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/highland-clearances-two-communities-fight-back ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 26m

  7. Apr 21

    Green Room Deals

    In this week’s episode, we look at Kier Starmer’s ongoing Mandelson woes. We discuss the wildly oscillating Scottish opinion polls and MRP extrapolations that come from them and what they mean for the Scottish election campaign and the future of the independence movement. We discuss what you need to get over the line on the regional list and the prospect of smaller independence-supporting parties.  We also look at the brouhaha which got up around Labour and Reform and whether Anas Sarwar had asked Malcolm Offard to do a deal to keep the SNP out of power. We take a dig into the recent party manifestos and the reaction to some of the more eye-catching ideas. Watch the Finland Film on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/J1mpytgMIBU ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 14m

  8. Apr 14

    He's not the Messiah

    In this week’s episode, Lesley and Fraser navigate the "actual apex of insults to humanity," as AI-generated imagery and global conflict collide. From Donald Trump’s bizarre portrayal of himself as a "healer of men" to the first American Pope taking a stand against the destruction of civilization, we analyse a world that feels increasingly discombobulated. Closer to home, the Scottish election is picking up pace with the first leaders debate we look at what was said, and how it came across. With a "contemptuous, sniffy" response from Labour’s Wes Streeting regarding independence we also discuss why Anas Sarwar "hardly needs enemies" with friends like these. LinksHungarian dancing MP https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/hungary-mp-dancing-orban-video-b2957061.html Upstart Scot hustings - onlinehttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/upstart-scottish-parliamentary-election-hustings-2026-tickets-1985674562068 ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 12m
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4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

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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