Holyrood Sources

• Civil War Inside Labour & BBC Crisis, Bias & The License Fee

  Labour civil war erupts just weeks before a make-or-break Budget. In this explosive Holyrood Sources episode, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver unpack the extraordinary Number 10 briefing against Wes Streeting — and what it reveals about Keir Starmer’s leadership, Labour’s internal divisions, and the growing panic over a potential leadership challenge.From Anas Sarwar’s impossible position defending a tax rise in Scotland, to Labour’s identity crisis and Morgan McSweeney’s role in the chaos, the team dissects the biggest political drama since the election.Later, they turn to the Port of Aberdeen’s job cuts, Geoff’s viral LinkedIn post about the energy transition, and the latest twist in ScotWind, as Shell walks away from a £3 billion renewables project.Plus, we have a heated debate on the BBC Panorama editing scandal, questions of institutional bias, and whether Scots should be forced to fund a broadcaster that some say favours the “soft left.” The panel discusses Tim Davie’s resignation, the role of BBC Scotland, the challenge of local news, and the license-fee debate — before moving on to Scotland’s budget pressure and the possibility of revisiting an income-tax pledge amid Westminster fiscal changes (Shona Robison & Anas Sarwar clips included).Key topics:• BBC Panorama editing controversy and fallout• Institutional bias: can any broadcaster be truly impartial?• BBC Scotland, local news coverage and the “central belt” problem• Licence fee debate: compulsory funding vs subscription choice• Scotland’s fiscal squeeze: Shona Robison on budget risk & Anas Sarwar on lobbying the Chancellor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• What Rachel Reeves’ Budget Means for Scotland... plus Assisted Dying amendments

  What happens when Labour breaks its biggest election promise? This week on Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond), and Andy Maciver (former Scottish Conservative comms director) unpack Rachel Reeves’ budget gamble — and why it could reshape Scottish politics.We break down:💸 How Labour’s tax rise could hit Scottish voters⚖️ The political fallout for Rachel Reeves and Anas Sarwar🏴 What it means for Holyrood’s income tax powers🥃 John Swinney’s whisky diplomacy and Douglas Alexander’s criticism📊 Plus: Why 2026’s no-overnight count election will feel totally differentLater, Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur joins us to discuss the Assisted Dying Bill — with almost 300 amendments under scrutiny, is Holyrood getting it right?📍 Chapters below🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: hollyroodsources.com 📲 Follow us on X / TikTok / YouTube for more Scottish political insight. 💬 Send us your listener questions: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Brollygate; Who Controls Scotland’s Election Narrative?

  Scotland is heading into one of its most unpredictable elections ever — and the usual rules of politics might not apply.In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (former Scottish Conservative comms director) unpack the key trends shaping Scotland right now:.💬 Join the debate: Who wins Scotland’s next election — the SNP, Labour, or Reform UK? 🎟 Come see us live: Join our Holyrood Sources Christmas Pub Quiz in Edinburgh on 2 December → holyroodsources.com/live📬 Stay informed: Subscribe to our weekly insider newsletter → holyroodsources.com🎧 Listen on Spotify / Apple → search “Holyrood Sources” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Independence Helps Russia? And Labour Meltdown in Wales

  Labour’s century-long dominance in Wales could be about to collapse — with polls showing Reform UK and Plaid Cymru overtaking them in the Caerphilly by-election.In this week’s Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (former Scottish Conservative communications director) unpack:🗳️ The Wales by-election and what a Labour defeat would mean for Keir Starmer’s leadership 🔥 Is Ed Miliband plotting a leadership comeback? Why he might be on manoeuvres after months of internal tension 🏴 Scottish independence — and why Labour’s defence minister warns it could “help Putin” 💷 Rachel Reeves’ upcoming Budget: tax hikes, income reform, and political messaging chaos 🌍 Chinese investment in Scottish renewables: national security vs economic growthPlus: Trident submarines, Starmer’s strategy, and what Labour’s polling collapse tells us about British politics.🎧 Subscribe for weekly insider analysis from Holyrood Sources – the podcast that takes you inside Scottish politics.📩 Email: [email protected] 🎙️ Also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• SNP Conference: John Swinney’s “Secret Plan” and the Battle for 2026

  John Swinney’s independence strategy is set — but is it realistic? In this week’s episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver dive deep into what really happened at the SNP Conference.They unpack Swinney’s “Fresh Start with Independence” plan, the internal reaction to his threshold for triggering a new referendum, and what the polls really say about the SNP’s chances in 2026.Plus:Nicola Sturgeon returns to conference with her new book 📚The SNP’s 15-second tribute to Alex Salmond sparks backlashGeoff reveals a behind-the-scenes story from the 2007 election 🗳️The team debate whether Reform UK threatens both Labour and the SNPCan the SNP convince voters it’s competent enough to govern — and to lead Scotland to independence?🎧 Subscribe for weekly insider analysis on Scottish politics, independence, and Westminster-Holyrood relations.📱 Got a question or comment for the team? Send a WhatsApp voice note or message to 0333 404 6507 Or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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