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The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie view the world of politics at home and abroad from a Scottish perspective


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  • 124. STURGEON V SWINNEY

    46:41||Ep. 124
    What's going on? Former SNP FM Nicola Sturgeon criticising John Swinney's SNP? Is this a serious analysis or part of the latest round of book promotion?The SNP hit back saying John Swinney is the best First Minister yet. Also, the race for the Scottish Labour leadership is warming up. Michael Marra looks like the front runner with Joe Fagan also in contention but Monica Lennon may struggle to get the required nominations to stand in the vote. Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie discuss.

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  • 123. Can Burnham Follow up the Good Comms with Effective Strategy?

    40:33||Ep. 123
    Bernard and Alex discuss a good start for Andy Burnham in terms of communications but does it really change any of the fundamental issues facing the country. Also, who are the runners and riders for the Scottish Labour leadership after Anas Sarwar accepted a peerage and is not a Westminster Trade Minister? Michael Marra? Monica Lennon? Paul Sweeney? Daniel Johnson?

  • 122. Sir Anton Muscatelli - The Reality Scotland's Politicians Refuse to Face

    52:04||Ep. 122
    Sir Anton Muscatelli, President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, academic and leading economic advisor, joins Bernard and Alex to give his view on some of the real issues that are facing Scotland but politicians seem unwilling to discuss, particularly around election time. Scotland faces £4.8bn gap and it was hardly mentioned at the recent election.Slower Scottish tax growth means £728m less.What can be learned from "Manchesterism" and what can Andy Burnham's administration do for Scotland?Does Scotland need more immigration?Will efficiencies really save billions and will services inevitably be affected.

  • 121. SILLY SEASON - Can Count Binface Win Farage's Backfiring By-Election?

    49:00||Ep. 121
    It's Silly Season for the political media and, after forcing a by-election in his own seat, Nigel Farage discovered many of the parties were unwilling to play his game. Now, his most serious competition appears to be from by-election regular, Count Binface. Also, the latest on the SNP money and potential court cases, Andy Burnham swooping into Downing Street and the passing of some significant political figures in the past few days.

  • 120. HAS FARAGE CRISIS HALTED THE REFORM JUGGERNAUT?

    41:07||Ep. 120
    Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie look at how Nigel Farage is dealing with his first real crisis and also - is Andy Burnham making unsustainable promises before he even becomes Prime Minister?

  • 119. WHY NO INQUIRY?... and would Burnham offer Starmer the Foreign Office?

    41:07||Ep. 119
    Two main topics for Alex and Bernard this week. The proposed coronation of Andy Burnham - speculation is rife around his likely cabinet picks. Starmer was relatively successful in International affairs. Will Burnham be tempted to ask him to stay on as Foreign Secretary?Also, after the sentencing of Peter Murrell, is it sustainable for there to be no inquiry into what happened at the SNP? Does the First Minister not owe the members an explanation?

  • 118. BY ELECTION RESULTS AND VERDICT

    39:44||Ep. 118
    Andy Burnham clears the latest hurdle in his bid to become Prime Minister with a stonking by-election victory in Makerfield. The Scottish Conservative win their first Scottish by-election since 1967 after the SNP's Stephen Flynn vacated the seat to sit in the Scottish Parliament and Lara Bird holds Arbroath and Broughty Ferry for the SNP. Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie reflect on a momentous night and what it all means.