Holyrood Sources

This week on Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver preview the SNP conference with The Scotsman's Rachel Amery. For the first time ever, John Swinney leads a conference with a mandate as First Minister... how will he shape the event as his own? Will the focus be on independence or we will see deeper policy on other issues in Scottish Politics. What will the talk be on energy? and how strange is it Gillian Mackay, the co-leader of the Scottish Greens is set to make an appearance? Andy Burnham is also set to visit Scotland on Friday, what will his visit entail? Will we see an announcement on local government reform, and how will it differ to the Scottish Government's proposal from a few weeks ago?

On today's episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver dive into the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham.We are joined by Rachael Hamilton MSP, Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, to react to Kemi Badenoch’s proposed review of the Scotland Act and reported plans to curtail Holyrood's powers—including over education. We discuss "true conservative values," energy bills, public sector reform, and whether the UK Tory vision aligns with Scottish voters.Plus, the team breaks down Nicola Sturgeon’s claims of Labour's "glaring contradictions" on referendums, Andy Burnham's political standing, and the soaring UK welfare bill.

On this special episode of the Sources Podcasts, we're taking you to Liverpool for 24 hours at Labour Party Conference 2026. Hear the secrets of Political Christmas with Politico's Megan McElroy, More In Common's Louis O'Geran, Labour MP Jonathan Hinder, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, former Andy Burnham advisor Kevin McKeever and more.Presented by Joe Hawkins.*************🔔 Subscribe to Holyrood Sources for weekly inside analysis on Scottish politics!📧 Have a question or comment? Email us at hello@holyroodsources.com

Welcome to another energy special episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast in partnership with Energy Voice. Calum, Geoff and Andy are joined by Ryan Duff and Floyd March: Aberdeen Features Lead and North West Correspondent at Energy Voice. The group discuss the impact Great British Energy and the newly announced Great British Grid across Scotland, why its energy sector faces competition from other parts of the UK and how Miatta Fahnbulleh differs from Ed Miliband as Energy Secretary.🔔 Subscribe to Holyrood Sources for weekly inside analysis on Scottish politics!📧 Have a question or comment? Email us at hello@holyroodsources.com

Is Andy Burnham’s vision for the UK realistic, or is he setting Labour up for a major fall ahead of the upcoming budget? On this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver review Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first speech to the Labour Party Conference. From hints on rejoining the EU and scrapping the pension triple lock to fund a National Care Service, to what this all means for Scotland and John Swinney, we break down the style, substance, and political tactics. Later, Glasgow South West Labour MP Dr. Zubir Ahmed joins us straight from conference to share his take on Burnham’s speech. Plus, Scotland 2050 founder Barry Cunning shares his thoughts on Grangemouth and the long-term future of Scottish politics. 📩 SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: Email us at hello@holyroodsources.com 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more insider analysis on Scottish and UK politics!

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.