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.

Join our mailing list and check out our latest live events: click holyroodsources.com

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37 episodes
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Avg 45 min
English

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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.
S5 · E28
May 27 · 52 min
Peter Murrell Pleads Guilty, John Swinney's New Cabinet and Tony Blair
On today's episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver break down a bombshell week in Scottish politics. Peter Murrell has pleaded guilty to embezzlement from the SNP. What does this mean for the party, The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon and trust in politics in general? John Swinney has also appointed his new Scottish Cabinet, was his new slimmed down top team the right way to go? How will Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins perform in their new Holyrood roles. How will Ivan McKee do after being promoted to Cabinet Secretary for Public Service reform? You can listen to our 2025 interview with him here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1EO5bkEpwRRPpjnYeOL81I?si=-YP5RgaGSAKtH_d3RoVaMQ And what does Tony Blair's intervention this week mean for the UK Labour Party, is it time to start listening to the former Prime Minister? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E27
May 20 · 50 min
Scotland's New MSPs: Live from Edinburgh Gin Distillery
On this special live episode of Holyrood Sources: Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver are joined by MSPs, journalists and backroom staff at the Edinburgh Gin Distillery, a stone's throw from The Scottish Parliament. They are joined by three brand new MSPs from the three biggest parties at Holyrood to discuss what the next five years could bring: Katherine Sangster from Scottish Labour, Reform UK Scotland Leader Malcolm Offord and former SNP Westminster Leader Stephen Flynn. What does the future hold for Anas Sarwar and Keir Starmer? Can either survive after devastating results across the UK and in Scotland. Will Reform be the foxes in the hen house... are they as cunning as they make out to be? How does the SNP actually get stuff done, and how does Stephen Flynn live up to his promise as a "champion" of Aberdeen's oil and gas industry. This Holyrood Sources live event was sponsored by Scottish Renewables and SSE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E26
May 17 · 36 min
Sources Crossover: Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver on the GB election results
On this special edition of Stormont Sources, Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver from the Whitehall Sources and Holyrood Sources podcasts join David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan to discuss how the results of the Welsh, Scottish and English elections will impact the UK as a whole and Northern Ireland. What will 3 nationalist First Ministers do for the state of the union... and is that statistic misleading? Where do Reform UK lie after an excellent night of results Can Keir Starmer survive as Prime Minister? Stormont Sources is the place to hear all about politics and policy making in Northern Ireland. . Join journalist, David McCann, plus Tim Cairns, a former Special Advisor to First Minister Peter Robinson and Head of Policy for the DUP and Micheal McKernan, a former Special Advisor in the SDLP who worked in the Northern Ireland Executive from 2007-2016. Whitehall Sources brings you insider coverage of Westminster, and Senedd Sources takes you inside politics in Wales. Subscribe to all four podcasts on YouTube and your podcast app to never miss a moment from across UK politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E25
May 13 · 54 min
A New Scottish Parliament: Cross-Party Talks and Your Election Questions Answered
On today’s episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver analyse the results of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election and what comes next for Scottish politics. The Prime Minister and the First Minister are set to meet next month, will talks lead to a second independence referendum? Will Keir Starmer even be in office to meet John Swinney? They also discuss the SNP Leader's post-election meetings with political parties, and his refusal to meet with Reform. hHas he shot himself in the foot politically?, and how should the other parties approach these meetings? Calum, Geoff and Andy also take a look at your post-election questions as the picture of the next five years of Scottish politics starts to become clear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E24
May 9 · 1 hr 6 min
Scottish Election Results Live from Holyrood
The votes are in, and the map of Scotland has been redrawn. Join the Holyrood Sources team for a deep-dive into the 2026 Scottish Parliament election results. In this special episode, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to the First Minister Alex Salmond), and Andy Maciver (former Scottish Conservative Director of Communications) break down a historic night at Holyrood. The Reform UK Surge: How did Malcolm Offord’s party become a major force in the Scottish Parliament? The Pro-Independence Majority: With the Scottish Greens seeing significant gains, how will the SNP-Green dynamic work in this new session? Labour and Tory Losses: Analysis of a difficult night for Anas Sarwar and Russell Findlay as the political center ground shifts. What Happens Next? From coalition talks to the future of the Union, we provide the "inside track" analysis you won't get anywhere else. Holyrood Sources brings you political commentary from those who have lived it. No spin, just the reality of how power works in Scotland. Join the Conversation. Follow us on X/Twitter @HolyroodSources #ScottishElection2026 #Holyrood #SNP #ScottishPolitics #ReformUK #JohnSwinney #AnasSarwar #ScotlandResults #HolyroodSources ** The Holyrood Sources podcast brings the best analysis of Scottish politics with those who have lived it as Special Advisers, and those who are current and former politicians and political party leaders. Join Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Former Chief of Staff to First Minister Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (Former Director of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives). Subscribe now Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/holyrood-sources/id1673972192 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fj3emmRONEr8aSkhcMgoH?si=789c7874034340c6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E23
May 6 · 51 min
The End of the Campaign: Poll Trends, Key Moments & Surprises
It's the day before the 2026 Scottish Parliament election! This episode of Holyrood Sources looks back at the campaign. Calum Macdonald is joined by Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver to analyse the latest polling trends, what’s really happening beneath the headline numbers, Is SNP support as solid as it seems? Why the list vote could be the real danger zone for the SNP The rise of Reform UK — protest vote or lasting force? Are Labour and the Conservatives heading for historic lows? We also revisit the defining moments of the campaign — from fiery debate clashes to the surreal whisky tariff saga — and ask whether any of it has actually cut through with voters. And in a special segment, journalism student Logan Smith puts the team on the spot with questions about Reform UK, the future of conservatism in Scotland, and what comes next for Scottish politics. With low turnout expected and tight margins across the board, could results night deliver some major surprises? Don’t miss our LIVE results stream from outside the Scottish Parliament, Friday at 7pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E22
April 29 · 49 min
One Week To Go: The Path to Bute House and the 'Scunner Factor'
Is Scotland facing a political stalemate? In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver, with just ONE WEEK to go until polling day, explore the possible outcomes of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. Is it certain that John Swinney will return to Bute House?, or could Anas Sarwar, even Malcolm Offord, relying on Reform’s hidden vote somehow seize power? They also dive into the "Scunner factor"— continuing their thoughts on voter apathy from last week, could this lead to a record-low turnout? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Showing 21–37 of 37 episodes