Podcast
Holyrood Sources
Hosted by Shortbread Media · EN
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.
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22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why This Election Campaign is "Dispiriting"
Apr 2300:36:05Tap to summarizeThe Holyrood Sources team is back to break down a week of political name-calling, tactical blunders, and Westminster turmoil.In this episode, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to the First Minister), and Andy Maciver (former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives) dive into the "immature" state of the current election campaign. From Anas Sarwar and Graham Simpson’s public spats to John Swinney’s decision to skip the BBC Question Time leaders' debate, the team asks: where are the big ideas?We also analyse the "terminal" situation for Sir Keir Starmer at Westminster. With Ollie Robbins sacked and Cabinet ministers struggling to defend the Prime Minister, is Starmer being held "hostage" by his own colleagues until May 7th?In this episode:The "Pathetic" Campaign: Why the focus on deals and name-calling is failing Scottish voters.SNP’s Food Price Cap: Is the cap on food prices a "gimmick" or a strategic masterstroke?The Starmer Crisis: Analysing the dismissal of Olly Robbins and the silence of the Labour Cabinet.John Swinney’s Debate Absence: Is the First Minister "running scared" or making a tactical calculation?Follow Holyrood Sources:✉️ Email: hello@holyroodsources.com💬 WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507🌐 Website: holyroodsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Reform-Labour "Deal", Manifesto Analysis & The Truth About Battle Buses
Apr 1500:52:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver dive into the most heated moment of the campaign so far: the Channel 4 leaders' debate. We break down the explosive exchange between Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar and Reform UK’s Malcolm Offord, and ask if the alleged "backroom deal" has any basis in reality.In this episode:The Debate Fallout: Was the Sarwar-Offord clash a turning point or just "petulent nonsense"?Polling Deep Dive: We analyse the latest YouGov MRP poll—is an SNP majority of 67 seats actually possible?Manifesto Week: Breaking down the key pledges from Scottish Labour and the Scottish Greens.The "Battle Bus" Myth: Geoff reveals why you rarely see leaders actually traveling on their branded buses.Listener Questions: From the UK’s counter-argument for independence to the journey of a barrel of North Sea oil. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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