Holyrood Sources

Shortbread Media

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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27 episodes
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Avg 47 min
English

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S5 · E48
Yesterday · 50 min
Local Council Overhaul & Michael Marra's Chance of Labour Victory
In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver unpack the Scottish Government's local government proposal that could see Scotland's 32 councils reduced to just 6... Professor Michael Keating joins the show to discuss the convoluted history of local government reform in Scotland and what changes now could mean for you. Following his election win over Joe Fagan, will Michael Marra lead Scottish Labour to electoral success, or is his political fate tied to Westminster? And Geoff Aberdein recounts his meeting with King Charles in Aberdeen this week... he explores a stark contrast between green energy ambitions, North Sea job losses, and political double-speak on domestic energy vs. imports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E47
September 16 · 44 min
Is the End of the UK Inevitable? Inside the First Ministers’ Cardiff Summit
Are the days of the United Kingdom numbered, or was the recent Cardiff summit between First Ministers just political theatre? Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver are joined by SNP National Secretary Alex Kerr MSP to discuss the summit and ask whether it puts Scotland (and Wales and Northern Ireland) any closer to independence. They also discuss Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s recent comments at PMQs and whether Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland share a viable constitutional roadmap to independence. Later, Andy and Calum discuss the possibility of a unionist party pact, amid reports that Scottish Labour are considering trying to form an alliance to lock out the SNP. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E46
September 9 · 1 hr 17 min
The Scottish Labour Leadership Hustings | Joe Fagan v Michael Mara
On a special hustings episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver are joined by Scottish Labour's leadership candidates: Joe Fagan and Michael Marra. The two leadership contenders debate their visions for the party's future, how to reconnect with working-class voters across Scotland, and the scale of the challenge ahead. What sets Michael and Joe apart, and how they plan to rebuild Scottish Labour across every region? How can Scottish Labour become a power contender again? They also share their immediate reactions to Andy Burnham's comments on a second independence referendum at Prime Minister's Questions. To round off the show, Calum and Andy are joined by Lindsay Paterson, Professor of Education Policy at the University of Edinburgh, on fixing Curriculum for Excellence, after this year's PISA statistics were revealed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E45
September 2 · 39 min
Rosebank & Scotland’s Energy Future | Holyrood Sources x Energy Voice
On the first of our Holyrood Sources energy specials in partnership with Energy Voice, Calum MacDonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver are joined by Energy Voice News Editor Erikka Askeland (live from Stavanger) and Editorial Director of DC Thomson, Dave Lord. Together, the panel breaks down the high-stakes political and economic battles that will define the energy debate in Scotland and across the UK in the coming months. Will Rosebank and Jackdaw be approved? What does the future of Scotland's renewable future look like? and how will this all affect Scotland's economy? 🔔 Subscribe to Holyrood Sources for weekly inside analysis on Scottish politics! 📧 Have a question or comment? Email us at hello@holyroodsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E44
August 26 · 31 min
Is £860m Extra Actually Good News? And John Swinney's World Cup Flights
The Scottish Fiscal Commission just revealed an extra £860 million in the budget for this financial year—but is it actually good news for public spending, or a sign of deeper structural issues caused by devolution? In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver break down the latest fiscal update, public service reform under Ivan McKee, and incoming tax pressure from the UK Treasury. Plus, they debate the headline-grabbing £45,000 taxpayer bill for John Swinney’s trip to the World Cup in America. Was it bad optics during a cost-of-living squeeze, or vital trade promotion for Scottish business? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E43
August 19 · 35 min
Labour Leadership, GERS Figures and Data Centres
In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver unpack another week Scottish politics. The team reacts to the official Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) figures, analysing Scotland's £25.3 billion public spending deficit, falling North Sea oil revenues, and what upcoming public service reforms mean for John Swinney’s government. We also dive deep into the Scottish Labour leadership contest as candidates Joe Fagan and Michael Mara prepare to battle it out following Monica Lennon’s exit. Plus, the team addresses listener questions on the environmental impact and energy demands of large-scale data centres versus net zero targets, and runs a political thought experiment: what would Scottish politics look like today if Rishi Sunak had won the 2024 general election? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E42
August 12 · 28 min
Can John Swinney escape Nicola Sturgeon’s Legacy?
Calum MacDonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver break down Scotland's latest GERS figures, examining revenue vs. public spending, the Barnett Formula, and Scotland's fiscal deficit. Plus, the Holyrood Sources team discuss the realities of North Sea oil vs. renewables, and whether John Swinney can escape Sturgeon’s legacy. Later, George and Andy share their thoughts on former Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar's comments that the House of Lords should be abolished. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E41
August 5 · 47 min
Nicola Sturgeon vs SNP Cabinet... and Tax Debate Continues.
Nicola Sturgeon faces fierce backlash from her own former cabinet colleagues after criticising the SNP's election strategy in a new book foreword. Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver break down the response from the First Minister and Cabinet Secretaries. Plus, as the Scottish Labour leadership contest opens with Monica Lennon, Michael Marra, and Joe Fagan announcing their leadership, we ask: what is Labour’s long-term plan to challenge the SNP, is there any possibility of a party win in 2031? Later, we revisit Scotland’s income tax debate. Economist Laurie Macfarlane (Co-Director of Future Economy Scotland) responds to Dan Neidle’s analysis on Scotland’s 48p top tax rate. Does the data really show a £22m loss, or are volatility and broader economic factors being overlooked? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E40
July 29 · 56 min
£22 Million Tax Drop and Inside the Scottish Labour Leadership Contest
Why did Scotland’s new 48p top rate of income tax actually backfire and lose £22 million in revenue? On this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver analyse the fallout from Scotland's tax policy with tax expert Dan Neidle from Tax Policy Associates. Will John Swinney reverse a major policy decision originated by his predecessors, Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon? We also discuss the Scottish Labour leadership contest following Anas Sarwar’s departure to the House of Lords. We're joined by Francesca Brennan, Inverclyde Councillor and Scottish Representative for Labour in Local and Regional Government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E39
July 24 · 1 hr
Live on Downing Street | Andy Burnham Becomes PM
Andy Burnham has officially become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, marking the country’s 7th PM since 2016. Join host Calum Macdonald live from Downing Street on this special episode of The Sources Podcasts as we break down every moment of this historic handover of power. From Keir Starmer’s departure speech to Andy Burnham’s note-free address to the nation, we cover the immediate reactions, political strategy, and shock Cabinet appointments shaping the new UK government. In this episode: - Keir Starmer’s final speech and exit to Buckingham Palace. - Andy Burnham’s vision: Ending rough sleeping, re-industrialisation, and cost-of-living relief. - Expert analysis with Patrick Maguire (The Times), Cathy Newman (Times Radio/Sky News), Anna Mikhailova (Times Radio), Peter Cardwell (Talk), Alexander Brown (Daily Mirror), Stefan Boscia (The Times), Andrew Quinn (The Scotsman), and Kate Ferguson (Sun on Sunday). - Breaking Cabinet Announcements: John Healey as Chancellor, Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary, and Louise Haigh as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. 💬 What do you think of Andy Burnham's new Cabinet? Will his 10-year plan stabilise UK politics? Let us know 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more expert UK political analysis from The Sources Podcast network! #AndyBurnham #KeirStarmer #UKPolitics #DowningStreet #Number10 #BritishPolitics #LabourParty #UKPrimeMinister #TheSourcesPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E38
July 22 · 39 min
Sarwar to the Lords? As Burnham becomes PM
On today's episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver are joined by Scottish Labour MSP, Paul Sweeney to discuss the shock news that Anas Sarwar is set to resign to join new PM Andy Burnham's team in Westminster. What will Sarwar's departure mean for Scottish Labour and the UK Labour Party overall. Has Sarwar blindsided his Holyrood colleagues by accepting a job out of the blue? And what kind of leader is Burnham going to be, now he is officially the top dog in Westminster? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E37
July 15 · 48 min
Scotland & Andy Burnham: What Happens Next?
Andy Burnham is preparing to become Prime Minister—but what does that mean for Scotland, Labour and the future of UK politics? In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver to discuss what Burnham's government could look like, who could join his Cabinet, and whether Labour can truly deliver the change voters are demanding. What is Andy Burnham's leadership style? Who will sit round the cabinet table... What does the future hold for Ed Miliband, Wes Streeting, Douglas Alexander and other prominent figures in the Labour party. Will the new Prime Minister reset Westminster's relationship with Scotland and could his premiership lead to further devolution to Holyrood and right across the country? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E36
July 12 · 36 min
An Independent Scottish Labour Party? | with Jack McConnel
On a summer special of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver are joined by the 2026 Scottish Labour candidate for Galloway and West Dumfries, Jack McConnel (the other one). Jack is one of the leading voices in a growing movement within the Scottish Labour Party, that wants to break away from UK Labour and stand as an independent body. Jack explains why he thinks a breakaway party would be good for the Scottish Labour movement and Scottish politics as a whole and compares the move to similar political arrangements in other countries. You can read more about the just for Scotland movement here at https://www.justscotland.win/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E35
July 8 · 43 min
What Kind of PM will Andy Burnham Be? | Live from Westminster
On today's episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald and Geoff Aberdein are live on College Green at Westminster as they discuss what the future of London politics will mean for Scotland. The pair are joined by ITV Border political reporter Ollie Wright and Labour MP Torcuil Crichton and Conservative MP Harriet Cross to discuss where UK and Scottish politics is heading, just a couple of a weeks out from the Westminster summer recess. They Discuss: What kind of Prime Minister will Andy Burnham be for Scotland? Who will be Scottish Secretary? What does the future hold for Anas Sarwar and his relationship with UK Labour? And has Nigel Farage already lost on his by-election gamble? This episode is sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E34
July 1 · 52 min
Is Andy Burnham Pro-Scotland? and Your Questions Answered
On today's episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald and Geoff Aberdein react to Andy Burnham's first major speech as presumptive Prime Minister. Will his plans to 'rewire Britain' and run some of the UK government from the new Number 10 North (of England), be beneficial or harmful to those living in Scotland? Will Andy Burnham be a Prime Minister for the whole of the UK and not just England? What will further devolution in Scotland mean, could we see metro-mayors appear across the country? ... and can the probable PM actually connect with voters once in power, something that Keir Starmer has failed to do so? Later in the show Calum, Geoff and Andy answer some of your questions, including Whether a independent pro-union party in Scotland mirror the CDU-CSU arrangement in Germany? ... and what would real fiscal autonomy mean for Scotland, government spending and the independence movement? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E33
June 24 · 50 min
Murrell Jailed, Sarwar Challenged & Douglas Lumsden MP
Following the sentencing of former SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell to over five years in prison, Calum, Geoff, and Andy sit down with The Scotsman’s Catriona Stewart to dissect the staggering evidence released by the Crown Office. From the infamous campervan to Nicola Sturgeon’s bookcase, we break down what this means for the future of the SNP. Later in the episode, we look at the rumblings of a leadership challenge facing Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar as Westminster transitions under Andy Burnham. Plus, we are joined by the newly elected Conservative MP for Aberdeen South, Douglas Lumsden, fresh off a historic by-election victory driven by the energy policy battle. If you enjoyed this episode, please SUBSCRIBE Listen on Apple Podcasts/Spotify: holyroodsources.com Follow us on X (Twitter): @holyroodsources Read Catriona Stewart’s latest column in The Scotsman: https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/no-forgiveness-for-peter-murrell-as-his-ex-snp-peers-find-his-sins-beyond-redemption-8757602 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E32
June 19 · 33 min
The Tories Win Stephen Flynn's Old Seat
The overnight by-election results are in, and Scottish politics has been turned completely on its head! In this bonus episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver break down a seismic night that saw the Scottish Conservatives secure a historic victory in Aberdeen South—their first by-election win since 1973. The panel dives into how Douglas Lumsden and Kemi Badenoch "dictated the terms" of the campaign by going all-in on oil and gas, leaving John Swinney’s SNP facing a brutal wake-up call over their muddled energy policy. We also look at the internal SNP friction exploding on X/Twitter between Stephen Flynn and Kate Higgins. Plus, we head south to Makerfield where Andy Burnham's massive 55% win has triggered what looks like an inevitable, high-stakes Labour leadership battle with a defiant Sir Keir Starmer. Is Starmer completely delusional, or can he survive a battle of ideas? 💬 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! What is your reaction to the Aberdeen South result? Is the SNP's position on oil and gas completely broken? 📱 WhatsApp us: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Holyrood) and we might read your thoughts out on next week's episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E31
June 17 · 41 min
Can the Tories Win Stephen Flynn’s Old Seat?
The Tartan Army takes over Boston, a knife-edge by-election battle in Aberdeen South, and a potential Labour coronation looming in Makerfield. In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver dive into a massive week of political drama across Scotland and the wider UK. Fresh off his travels to see Scotland play Haiti at the 2026 World Cup, Geoff gives an insider look at Scotland’s massive "soft power" and how it ties into John Swinney’s economic push in the US. Then, the team unpacks this week's critical Westminster by-elections. In Aberdeen South, Stephen Flynn’s old constituency is turning into an absolute two-horse race between the SNP and the Scottish Conservatives—where energy policy, the oil and gas sector, and the rise of Reform UK could entirely dictate the outcome. Meanwhile, is Arbroath and Broughty Ferry a guaranteed SNP hold despite ongoing party turmoil? Finally, we head south to Makerfield, where Andy Burnham is dicing with political destiny. If Burnham wins, are we heading for a bloody leadership battle against Keir Starmer, or an outright coronation? And what does a potential Burnham premiership mean for Scottish devolution and fiscal autonomy? Follow Holyrood Sources on X/Twitter: @HolyroodSources #ScottishPolitics #HolyroodSources #AndyBurnham #KeirStarmer #SNP #ScottishConservatives #AberdeenSouth #MakerfieldByElection #WorldCup2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E30
June 10 · 41 min
Will John Swinney Face a Westminster Inquiry Over Peter Murrell?
The Scottish Parliament is running, but is it actually getting anything done? In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver dive into a massive week for Scottish politics. As Scottish Labour forces a vote on a parliamentary inquiry into Peter Murrell’s embezzlement from the SNP, First Minister John Swinney faces intense pressure over his handling of the situation. Should he have brought in a KC to clean house, or is he right to treat it as "case closed"? We break down the constitutional battle brewing as Westminster's Scottish Affairs Committee threatens to step in. Plus, we expose a glaring economic contradiction at the heart of the Scottish Government: debating wealth taxes one week and demanding economic growth the next. We also react to a brilliant, straight-talking 6-point listener manifesto for the SNP, debate the failure of elected committee conveners, and unpack the transport chaos plaguing Scotland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E29
June 3 · 1 hr 9 min
Jack McConnell, Alex Cole-Hamilton & Ivan McKee | Scotland 2050
On today's episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver record live from The Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh at the Scotland 2050 Conference. The conference brings together people from the world of business, politics and civic society to discuss Scotland's long term potential. Former First Minister Lord Jack McConnell, Scottish Lib-Dem Leader Alex Cole-Hamilton and Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform Ivan McKee join Calum and Andy. They discuss where the country sits after the 2026 Scottish Parliament election and how politicians can start to look at the big picture. Is Scotland in need of total public service reform? Will Peter Murrell's guilty plea hurt Scottish politics in the long term, and would a parliamentary inquiry help? How does the new cabinet balance providing high quality public services whilst maintaining the Scottish economy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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