It’s a Monday recording this week as Lesley dodges the pending house-clearance for 'the moth man' to chew over a busy week in politics. With conference season rumbling on, Andy Burnham’s constitutional double-talk is under the microscope alongside Richard Murphy’s sobering warnings about rejoining a possible right-leaning future EU. Meanwhile, the Green Party conference in Brighton triggers internal splits over a contentious Zionism motion, Kemi Badenoch channels her inner Iron Lady with a 30,000-word manifesto, and the SNP faces hard questions about whether passing conference motions is any substitute for real independence preparation.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Burnham, Neoliberalism & EU Rejoining: Fraser and Lesley unpack the ongoing fallout from the Labour conference. Citing Richard Murphy who cut through the noise to highlight how Burnham’s grand promises clash with Rachel Reeves’ fiscal rules. Plus, a look at Europe’s far-right surges as we contemplate what future EU partnership might look like.

• Holyrood's Targets & Tory Nuclear Tanks: With the Joseph Rowntree Foundation warning that legally binding Scottish child poverty targets are set to be missed, Lesley and Fraser discuss the need for a bolder vision. Meanwhile, UK Tory energy spokesperson Andrew Bowie threatens to override Scottish planning powers to force nuclear power onto Holyrood's lawn.

• Green Party Conference & By-Election Blues: As Holborn & St Pancras approaches, John Crace’s scathing Guardian review paints a bleak picture for Zack Polanski. We look at the fallout from the conference floor, where delegates voted to define Zionism as racism while rejecting an amendment to protect Jewish members attending Zionist synagogues.

• Rental Crises & Youth Protests: Beyond party squabbles, housing protests in Madrid and radical shifts in European cities highlight a generation of despairing young key workers priced out of living.

• Kemi’s Tapestry & December Rumours: The Tories prepare for conference with an 18-foot AI Bayeux Tapestry mockup and Kemi Badenoch’s 30,000-word The Right Way pamphlet. Fraser recalls the miserable freezing reality of the December 2019 general election campaigning with Joanna Cherry amid fresh chatter of a snap winter poll.

• Pensions, Social Care & The Pacific Rowing Mindset: John Swinney sparks unionist outrage over Burnham's pension double-lock proposal. Ahead of the SNP conference, Fraser and Lesley discuss Tony Giugliano’s motion on independence strategy, arguing that passing a motion is meaningless without the relentless, ocean-rowing levels of preparation needed to build a real movement.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Common Weal: Prospectus for a New State
• The Guardian: What is Zionism? The Green Party Debate
• John Crace (The Guardian): Zack Polanski at Brighton: Wave Goodbye
• Simon Pearson (Substack): Zionism, Racism and the Green Party
• Richard Murphy (The National): What Angers Me Most About Andy Burnham's Conference Speech

Support the Podcast:

If you enjoy our weekly banter and independent Scottish political analysis, please consider supporting the show!

Become a Pal or Buddy: Get extra bonus content, archive access, and help keep us podcasting over at lesleyriddoch.com/podcast.

• Burnham’s "Prime Ministerial" Pitch: Big announcements on housing, water, energy, and a National Care Service. Impressive delivery, but as Lesley notes, Scotland has already implemented nearly all of it—from ending Right to Buy to free personal care.
• Local Government Reform: A look at Gerry Hassan's blog on council reorganisations. Do the current plans solve Scotland's democratic deficit, or do we need a Citizens' Assembly to work through a proper plan?
• Glasgow Equal Pay Row: Why Glasgow City Council suddenly threatened staff with "fire and rehire" over equal pay settlements, and why Unison stood its ground.
• Humza Yousaf’s Book & SNP Conference: Highlights from the Dundee launch of Humza’s book Under Fire, plus a new internal independence pressure group forming ahead of the SNP conference in Aberdeen.
• Holyrood’s "Right to Decide": Why Scottish Labour voted for the SNP's self-determination motion, and Patrick Harvie’s calm response to a bizarre speech comparing Scottish nationalism to Yugoslavia.

Links & Events:

• Film Screening: Lesley’s Finland film is showing at the Moffat Theatre this Saturday at 2:00 PM.
• Support the Pod: If you enjoy the show, help support us at lesleyriddoch.com/podcast.
• Gerry Hassan: How Scotland is Governed Matters Just as Much as Who Governs's It

Topics Discussed
Is this the end of Scotland's mega-councils?: Analysis of the Scottish Government’s paper proposing the replacement of current council structures with 6 to 10 strategic regional authorities and between 120 and 160 local "community authorities". The hosts caution against rushing this complex restructuring to meet a budget deadline, calling instead for a Citizens' Assembly to ensure genuine democratic empowerment.
Shifting Tides on Independence: Holyrood’s debate on the right to decide, marked by Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra suggesting his party may not oppose the motion. The hosts trace how the Cardiff Celtic Alliance meeting has caused ripples across the UK media, prompting LBC's James O'Brien and The Guardian's Simon Jenkins to publicly re-examine their positions on Scottish autonomy.
The £100,000 SNP Campaign Fund: Fraser and Lesley discuss Robin McAlpine’s sharp critique of the SNP’s newly announced campaign "war chest," maintaining that what the movement urgently needs is an independent, civic-led campaign rather than top-down party control.
Canada and the EU: Canada’s proposed association agreement with the European Union. Lesley and Fraser explore how "middle powers" are aligning internationally, potentially leaving a post-Brexit UK further isolated, and raising questions for Scotland's constitutional future.
Boycotts and Public Procurement: Pressure mounts on the Scottish Government regarding its pledge to disinvest from companies linked to illegal settlements. The hosts examine ASLEF’s potential strike action over a Spanish firm bidding for ScotRail rolling stock, alongside the cultural fallout surrounding Ed Sheeran dropping Macklemore as a concert support act.
Links
Poem - Andra on November 30th - https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/andra-november-30th/

Humza Yousaf book launch - 28 September 7pm https://www.waterstones.com/events/humza-yousaf-in-conversation-at-vanda-dundee/dundee

Build A Local Scotland event - Tuesday 1pm 6 October - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2000254783904

• The Cardiff Declaration & Burnham's Gaffe: How the Prime Minister's shifting stance on an Irish border poll has united the First Ministers of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. We discuss the new cooperation agreement and what this united Celtic front means for the constitutional future of the UK.
• Trump on Ireland (and Scotland): Analysing Donald Trump's sudden, highly amusing support for a united Ireland to court the Irish-American midterm vote, while simultaneously claiming Scotland must wait 50 to 75 years for another independence referendum.
• Local Government Reform & Citizens' Assemblies: Lesley recounts her meeting with Scottish Government ministers to discuss the future of local democracy. With councils currently deemed "too big to be local and too small to be strategic," the pod argues for a Citizens' Assembly to completely restructure Scottish local governance rather than relying on uninspired, top-down council mergers.
• Education, PISA & Kindergarten: Digging into stagnant PISA results and structural hurdles in the Curriculum for Excellence. Following alarming government statistics regarding rising violence in Primaries 1 to 3, Lesley reiterates the urgent need for a fully funded, Nordic-style, play-based kindergarten stage to build resilience and cooperation before formal schooling begins.
• Reform UK's Mega-Donations: Nigel Farage's party lands a massive £72 million in donations from crypto-billionaires. Fraser and Lesley discuss the UK government's scramble to tighten residency rules for donors and the chilling prospect of this cash being deployed to micro-target voters online.

Links
Common Weal Prospectus For A New State - https://www.commonweal.scot/prospectus-for-a-new-state
Spell Songs - https://www.thelostwords.org/spell-songs/

Humza Yousaf Book launch -28th September https://www.waterstones.com/events/humza-yousaf-in-conversation-at-vanda-dundee/dundee

Building a Local Scotland - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2000254783904
Building a Local Scotland is inviting MSPs, civic organisations, campaigners, academics and community representatives to join us for a discussion in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 6 October at 1pm in Committee Room 1 of the Scottish Parliament.

Finland Film Screenings
Moffat - Saturday 3rd October at 2 pm with a ticket price of £8 Moffat Theatre - https://www.facebook.com/61556556485367/posts/scottish-broadcaster-lesley-riddoch-is-bringing-her-new-film-to-moffat-theatre-o/122313424520218549/

Island of Lismore - October 25, 2026 Taproot Festival, at the Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre on Sunday afternoon 4:30

Key Topics Discussed

• Barons & Westminster Politics: Fraser and Lesley dissect Anas Sarwar’s ennoblement, Keir Starmer’s political standing, and proposed UK trade sanctions on illegal West Bank settlements
• Bernara Café Dispute & Land Buyouts: Baron George Foulkes resignation from the Ethnic Minority Law Centre over a high-profile Bernara community café dispute, and how Bernara’s 11-year struggle highlights badly drafted community buyout legislation.
• Rising Far-Right Dynamic: The political impact of AfD’s electoral surge in East Germany, false rumors leading to the arson of a housing association property in Possilpark, and the contrast in police responses to far-right demonstrations in Dover versus left-wing protests.
• Reform UK Funding Scandal & Farage Speech: Undercover reporting by Channel 4 exposing foreign election donation loopholes, alongside Nigel Farage’s proposals to declare a state of emergency, sit Parliament 24/7, and replace uncooperative judges and lords.
• Scottish Governance & Centralisation: John Swinney’s proposals to reduce health boards to two and encourage council mergers, drawing parallels to failed municipal consolidation in Norway and criticisms from public health expert Alison Pollock.
• Rural Realities & Assynt Housing: Insights from the DTAS conference on urban-centric policies, including an example from Assynt where urban EV charging mandates required a £750,000-per-unit grid upgrade for a ten-home community project.
• Holyrood Scrutiny & Cultural Success: A critical look at a think tank report on lazy MSPs and Holyrood's flawed committee system, concluding with a celebration of Fèis Rois’s 40th anniversary concert in Inverness.

Articles & Resources Mentioned

https://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/09/07/blackshirts-over-the-white-cliffs-of-dover/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/07/afd-germany-far-right-saxony-anhalt-nationalist-wave-europe-analysis

In this episode, we discuss:

• Tory Reshuffle & Snap Election Rumours: Dame Priti Patel and Sir Mel Stride exit as Labour eyes a potential 2027 snap election to lock in their lead over Reform.
• SNP Draft Agenda Stagnation: Party HQ releases a muted draft conference agenda lacking core independence strategy, but where is the will to do anything about it from SNP members?
• Prisons Crisis & Nordic Solutions: Lessons from Norway’s 1990s prison reform, which traded punitive overcrowding for a focus on rehabilitation and leading to massive drop in the reoffending rate.
• Holyrood's Food Price Cap: John Swinney’s proposed basic price caps face heavy retail pushback and potential clashes with Westminster’s Internal Market Act.
• Burnham’s Border Poll Blunder: The Prime Minister dismisses a Northern Ireland border poll, triggering pushback from Sinn Féin over Good Friday Agreement legislation.
• Iceland Rejects EU Talks: Why 53% of Icelandic voters blocked restarting EU accession talks to protect fishing rights despite existing EFTA and Schengen ties.
• Pacific Quay's Audience Slump: Radio Scotland’s morning slot suffers a 40% listener drop as critics compare the empty BBC headquarters to a redundant call centre.
• Scottish Visas & Realpolitik: Business leaders push for tailored migration schemes, while SNP Westminster leader Dave Doogan courts controversy over negotiating with any party.
• District Heating Progress: How Aberdeen is utilizing existing gas riser routes to connect homes directly to clean district heating networks.

Links

Will Burnham rewrite UK constitution and try to handcuff in the Celts?

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/aug/02/devolution-programme-written-uk-constitution-andy-burnham

The authorless Burnham Programme Website
https://theburnhamprogramme.co.uk

Burnarism Consitutional Reform

https://theburnhamprogramme.co.uk/burnham-written-constitution-devolution

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Scotland Office Fish & Chip Flop: Lesley and Fraser dissect a "woeful" UK government social media clip featuring MP Melanie Ward attempting to illustrate unionist economic points with two sizes of fish and chips. 
• Data Centres, Energy Grid & District Heating: Following news that data centre planning applications exceeding 50 megawatts must now be reported to Scottish ministers within seven days, the pod dives into the massive energy and water demands of hyperscale facilities. Lesley highlights the missed opportunity around waste heat, arguing that data centres should be strictly mandated to supply district heating to local communities as a condition of planning consent.
• Community Resistance at Cockenzie: A look at the fierce local opposition in East Lothian over proposed data centre developments at the former Cockenzie power station site. Despite being well-connected to offshore wind landing points from North Berwick Bank, local communities remain skeptical due to a lack of national strategy and meaningful local consultation.
• Lessons from a Nordic Journalist: Lesley recounts a conversation in Dundee with a visiting Nordic journalist who was baffled by Scotland's post-Brexit hesitation to pursue independence. The discussion covers Scotland's top-heavy system of 32 giant local councils, the lack of collaboration between SNP leadership and civic think tanks like Common Weal or the Scottish Currency Group, and the essential role of local empowerment.
• Housing First vs. Social Housing Targets: Comparing Andy Burnham’s homelessness initiative in Manchester with housing targets across the UK. The pod examines the Scottish Government's pledge for 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 alongside the structural hurdles created by volume housebuilders land-banking prime sites.
• Great Bernera's Legal Aid Absurdity: How a community on Great Bernera—already struggling with a stalled buyout due to an absentee landowner—is now facing crippling legal fees as dog owner sues them for refusing her entry with her dog. 
• Feudal Dues on the Glenelg Ferry: The unique MV Glenachulish—the world's last manual turntable car ferry operating between Glenelg and Skye—faces a crisis due to ancient "right to ferry" feudal dues claimed by absentee landowner Richard Oliphant. Community campaigners, supported by former MSP Andy Wightman, are exploring a Community Right to Buy or legal action to save the vital crossing.
• BBC Scotland Cuts & "Welcome to Glasgow" Slant: With 60 jobs on the line and the BBC Scotland channel facing severe pressure, Lesley and Fraser critique the controversial Welcome to Glasgow documentary. They highlight how the programme relied heavily on a self-appointed vigilante group while failing to consult the Violence Reduction Unit or examine systemic deprivation.
• Barclays Five & Direct Action: A major legal milestone as a judge rules that five Palestine Action activists facing charges over damage to a Barclays branch in Lancashire will not be sentenced under terrorism legislation.
• 
  

Links & Mentioned Events:

• Support the Podcast: Lesley Riddoch Podcast Support
• East Lothian Courier Article: Coverage of the standing-room-only Cockenzie House community meeting regarding data centre proposals.
• Bramble Ice Cream Recipe Link: Included in this week's show notes following popular demand.

Waiting for Nothing: Clacton Crack-Ups, UDI Polls, and Energy Disparities

In this week’s episode of the Lesley Riddoch Podcast, Lesley and Fraser navigate the summer "silly season" and the agonising political waiting game. From Count Binface’s impressive showing against Nigel Farage in Clacton to the glaring lack of a cohesive independence strategy from the SNP, the pair chew over the week's frustrations and bizarre news cycles. Plus, a deep dive into the media's framing of Glasgow as a "no-go zone", and a surprising U-turn on North Sea oil from Ecotricity founder Dale Vince. Oh, and make sure you get out and pick your brambles before the rain ruins them! 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Farage's Bung & Clacton Fallout: Nigel Farage secured 63% of the vote in Clacton, but Count Binface recorded a personal best with 27% of the valid vote, saving his deposit for the first time. With the investigation into Farage's £5 million "bung" now unsuspended, Lesley and Fraser debate whether a potential 10-day suspension could trigger a genuine recall petition, or if voters will think enough is enough.

• Reform's Welfare Plans & BBC Bias: Reform UK has proposed cutting £50 billion from the benefits bill by targeting foreign nationals and scrapping the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The pair highlight heavy criticism from former BBC News Director Richard Sambrook, who called the BBC's headline coverage of these completely uncredible fringe policies "frankly bizarre".

• Defending Glasgow: Thomas Kerr and the BBC have recently framed Glasgow, specifically around St. Enoch Square, as a "no-go zone" while citing crime statistics that were inflated by 70%. Lesley and Fraser push back hard on this narrative, citing journalists who feel far safer in Glasgow than most European cities, and discussing the historical context of urban planning and community hang-around culture in the city.

• Scottish Labour's Leadership Squeeze: Monica Lennon failed to secure enough nominations to make the Scottish Labour leadership ballot, leaving Michael Mara and Joe Fagan to fight it out. 

• The UDI Question & SNP Frustrations: A recent poll surprisingly shows 45% of Scots would back a Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) without Westminster's permission. Lesley expresses deep frustration over the SNP's cautiousness, endless waiting, and lack of a public plan under John Swinney, contrasting Scotland's stagnation with Catalonia's grassroots preparations and Norway's decisive 1905 independence vote.

• Energy Disparity & Dale Vince's U-Turn: While Norway utilizes locational pricing to drastically lower energy bills for its remote northern citizens, John Swinney has actively argued against a similar system for Scotland. Meanwhile, green energy industrialist Dale Vince has made a massive U-turn, stating he would now support opening the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields if price controls decoupling them from global markets are introduced.

After a three-week summer break, Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson return to dissect Scotland's political landscape. From Anas Sarwar’s sudden elevation to the House of Lords to Nicola Sturgeon taking public lumps out of John Swinney in the paperback edition of her book and in interviews, the pair unpack the internal friction, leadership manoeuvring, and communication breakdowns across Scottish politics.

Meanwhile, as Europe and the Cairngorms burn amidst record heat, the hosts examine the stark realities of climate change, food inflation, and the ongoing tug-of-war over North Sea oil licences. Add in lessons on local democracy from Sweden, Icelandic EU ambitions, and a trip to the Killin Highland Games, and this return episode covers the full political and cultural spectrum.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Anas Sarwar’s Peerage & The Scottish Labour Leadership: We unpack Anas Sarwar taking a seat in the House of Lords and stepping into a UK trade role, leaving Scottish Labour in a lurch. Lesley and Fraser critique the party's defensive media spin and analyse the upcoming leadership race—looking at why candidates like Monica Lennon and Michael Marra face structural hurdles while South Lanarkshire Council leader Joe Fagan emerges as the party machinery's favoured pick.
• Nicola Sturgeon vs. John Swinney: Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon re-emerges at the Edinburgh Book Festival to criticise John Swinney’s campaign and vision. Fraser compares her interventions to Margaret Thatcher’s post-power backseat driving, while Lesley highlights insider reactions—including Liz Lloyd’s sharp observation that while the party respected Nicola, members love John Swinney.
• Rosebank, European Wildfires & Climate Economics: With wildfires raging from Southern Europe to Nethy Bridge in the Cairngorms, we look at the climate crisis hitting home. We examine First Minister John Swinney’s hesitation over North Sea licences like Rosebank and Jackdaw, BP’s scale-back in the North Sea, and expert warnings that 40% of recent food inflation is directly linked to climate-driven agricultural disruption.
• Iceland’s EU Referendum & International Borders: We look at Iceland’s upcoming referendum on restarting EU accession negotiations, analysing how the bloc courts a nation of 355,000—and what potential fishing opt-outs mean for Scotland’s constitutional future. Plus, we look at the pragmatic border deal reached in Gibraltar.
• Manchester Apathy vs. Swedish Democracy: Following the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election, we discuss winner Bev Craig and the dismal 25% voter turnout. Lesley contrasts Britain’s top-down regional mayor model with Sweden’s hyper-local democracy, where 290 municipal councils collect basic income tax and command 90% voter turnouts.
• Coigach Filming & Highland Games Catch-Up: Fraser recounts his time at the Commonwealth Games, while Lesley shares updates on her documentary filming in Coigach and Strathnaver, commemorating the 1852 clearance protests at the newly opened An Lòrg stone circle.

Links & Mentioned Events:

• Bute Highland Games: Saturday, 22nd August in Rothesay. https://butehighlandgames.org/

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Burnham Purge & Starmer's Pub of the Damned: An breakdown of the cabinet reshuffle that saw Sir Keir Starmer replaced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. We analyze the northern-heavy cabinet, including Ed Miliband's move to Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper at Health, Miata Fanabulla entering Net Zero, and Louise Haigh's return, while disgruntled Starmerites lick their wounds over pints in a London pub.
• Ditching the Digital ID for Energy VAT Cuts: We unpick Burnham’s headline policy—saving billpayers a modest £45 a year by cutting the 5% domestic energy VAT, funded by axing the digital ID scheme. We look at the OBR’s warnings that these departmental savings are completely unidentified and look to Estonia to explain why a genuine, trust-based society is required to build a real digital nation.
• Devolution Contradictions & Jack McConnell: Former First Minister Jack McConnell took to the airwaves to defend the new devolution agenda, but we examine how he quickly tied himself in knots over energy control. We explore Labour’s deep disconnect with rural Scotland and why Burnham's plans to emulate Germany's federalised government structure ignore truly local government.
• The Thames Water Legal Tussle: Breaking news hits the podcast mid-record as a consortium of lenders offers a "golden share" to the UK government to prevent Thames Water from crashing into nationalisation. Lesley explains why the Burnham government should actively welcome a high-profile legal fight with foreign private equity firms to prove they mean business.
• Housing First in Finland and Scotland: We look at the long-term success of Helsinki’s Housing First program, which dramatically cuts emergency service costs by providing stable housing and community support before tackling addiction. With 26 out of Scotland's 32 local authorities already operating Housing First, we note that Scotland is already leading the way where England struggles.
• Deconstructing Starmer's Wooden Exit: While the mainstream commentariat swooned over Starmer’s final PMQs, we pull away the Emperor's clothes. From his absolute refusal to admit to policy U-turns to his viral primary school anecdote, we explain how his hand-picked gallery guests failed to mask his legacy of two-child benefit caps and winter fuel cuts.
• Summer Break & Bramble Homework: The podcast takes its summer recess for the next two weeks, returning on Tuesday, August 11th. Fraser sets your holiday homework to challenge your local MPs and MSPs on independence, while Lesley provides a far sweeter alternative: get out to pick this year’s bumper crop of mega-brambles and make your own ice cream!

Links

Glasgow Times River Clyde Pool Project - https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/26290574.ambitious-plans-floating-swimming-pool-river-clyde/

Finland Film - https://youtu.be/J1mpytgMIBU?si=k_Gz8hmFwM7J_k3T

Lesley's Bramble Ice Cream Recipe - https://www.bakedbyanintrovert.com/fresh-blackberry-ice-cream-no-churn/#recipe

Meanwhile, Reform UK launches a bizarre, hostile bid to criminalize the Scots Gaelic language in election materials, Nigel Farage braces for a resumed standards committee investigation in Clacton, and fresh historic accounts stir up the debate on independent campaign funds. Finally, we reflect on the tragic murder of Anne Widdecombe, the toxic rush of social media narratives, and why the simple, civil connections of community—and a bit of no-nonsense Scottish gardening—keep us grounded.

1. More in Common 11 focus groups say Burnham's election at Makerfield is final chance for labour/uk/andy burnham       https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/research/makerfield/

 2. Farage and crypto

John Harris - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jul/12/nigel-farage-cryptocurrency-rightwing-politicians-money-uk

3. Farage security  The i Paper team report that Farage turned down an offer of taxpayer-funded security including a bodyguard, car and trained driver last year.

4. Manchesterism - Prof Mike Danson on Gtr Glasgow Gtr Manchester comparisons https://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/07/08/on-no-10-north-and-the-limits-of-manchesterism/

5. Leave Ann Widdicombe's sexual history out of it column by Rebecca McCurdy https://www.heraldscotland.com/newsletters/bulletin/1897/?nid=1897&ref=eb

In this episode, we discuss:

Trump, FIFA, and Waffles: We chew over Donald Trump's ridiculous phone call to FIFA to get a player's red card ban delayed—a move that spectacularly backfired as Belgium thumped the US team 4-1 anyway. We dive into the corporate corruption of FIFA rolling into town tax-free, leaving host nations like South Africa lumbered with multi-billion-pound bills. 

Farage’s Clacton Crisis: Recorded right before his 2 PM showdown, we analyse breaking news regarding Nigel Farage's future in public life. Under intense scrutiny over undeclared security cash, luxury stays, and a mortgage-free £4 million property portfolio, the donations he has received from crypto-billionaires and convicted fraudsters, we ask: is he about to jump before he’s pushed by a Standards Commission recall petition? 

The King of the North vs. Scottish Self-Determination: We dissect Andy Burnham’s predictable words to the Scots, offering regional devolution crumbs while denying Scotland the right to choose its own constitutional future. We contrast this with the media’s sudden interest in an Irish border poll, noting how Scotland’s constitutional fight is being woundingly ignored by the wider news cycle. 

Cleaning Up the Indy Dosh: With questions lingering over old Yes Scotland accounts and the potential return of Peter Murrell's misappropriated SNP money, Fraser and Lesley look at how to build trust. We debate the necessity of setting up an independent fun managed by a well-respected, neutral board to confidently kickstart a fresh independence campaign for 2027.

Links
https://donation.dec.org.uk/venezuela-earthquake-appeal

Links
https://labourlist.org/2026/06/is-fiscal-devolution-the-missing-piece-of-manchesterism/

Neil Mcinroy believes it can. 

He's Global Community Wealth Building lead for the Democracy Collaborative – an American tank. But this well travelled, experienced Scot works across the world from his home in Argyll and is helping drive the CWB agenda here.

The new Act requires public bodies from councils and hospitals to quangos and central government to use their procurement clout and purchasing power to support local businesses, coops and individuals instead of boosting the profits of multinationals.

It's already transformed Cleveland, Ohio where the idea began and Preston, Lancashire. Neil was involved in both places.

The new Scottish legislation places a duty on all public bodies to ensure prosperity flows towards workers, families, and neighbourhoods by retaining and circulating wealth within communities.

Every council will be drawing up plans so it's vital local activists get up to speed now.

Links
Scottish Parliament briefing https://spice-spotlight.scot/2025/11/11/an-introduction-to-the-community-wealth-building-scotland-bill/

Lesley's National column https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25867601.holyrood-act-prove-revolutionary-empowering-communities/

Well, the by-elections were well worth waiting for. In this delayed "wait for it" by-election special, Lesley and Fraser digest a massive week in UK and Scottish politics. Andy Burnham has secured a predictable but comprehensive landslide in Mackerfield, leaving everyone wondering how quickly he might challenge Keir Starmer for the keys to Number 10. Meanwhile, the SNP faces a disappointing loss in Aberdeen South, prompting questions about energy policy, land taxes, and rural trust. Plus, the Tartan Army takes over America with an incredible display of joy and cultural diplomacy.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Burnham's Path to Number 10: Andy Burnham defeated Reform, Restore, and the Tories combined with 55% of the vote in Mackerfield. We look at his victory speech, the rumors of cabinet resignations, and why Keir Starmer is stubbornly hanging on despite plummeting popularity.

• Aberdeen South & SNP Frustrations: The SNP lost the Aberdeen South by-election to the Conservatives, the first Tory by-election win in Scotland since 1973. We discuss how Stephen Flynn's move to Holyrood triggered the vote and whether he will take a hit for it. We also dive into the Scottish Government's lack of action on community wealth-building opportunities like onshore wind repowering and land taxes.

• Tartan Army Takeover: From securing Haggis approvals in Massachusetts to twinning with Glasgow, the Scotland fans are outclassing everyone with their energy and charity work. We contrast their joyful behavior in Boston with the rather more hostile chants coming from England fans in Dallas.

• Highland Clearances on Film: Lesley shares updates from a poignant filming trip to the clearance site at Rosal in Strathnaver. We discuss the rich oral traditions kept alive by the community, the struggle to find authentic black Highland cows, and how crofters actually lived in longhouses the size of modern three-bedroom bungalows.

• Upcoming Schedule: There will be no podcast next week as Lesley heads off to an island in Donegal with her bike, panniers, and absolutely no Wi-Fi or potable water. 

Links

• Highland Clearances Interview: Watch the interview with Professor James Hunter on the main Lesley Riddoch YouTube channel.
  https://youtu.be/U5dCbYELJa8
• Equitable Energy research about communities taking on repowering contracts -   https://ruralsehub.net/onshore-wind-re-powering-report/

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Peter Murrell Scandal & Holyrood’s Response: We unpack the recent debate on whether there should be a Scottish Parliamentary inquiry into the SNP's financial scandal. Fraser argues Holyrood has ducked out of the thornier issues regarding the separation of powers and the Crown Office, leaving the door wide open for Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee to step in. Lesley, however, reckons an independent inquiry—sparked by the successful Green amendment—is actually the better move, meaning politicians won't just be marking their own homework.
• A Question of Competence: Does the Scottish Parliament even have the legislative authority to investigate political parties, or is that strictly reserved to Westminster under the Scotland Act? We get into the weeds of who actually holds the power to scrutinise party registration and funding.
• The Future of Independence Funds: With Peter Murrell reportedly offering to voluntarily repay embezzled funds, we ask what should happen to that money. Fraser suggests a new, democratic independence vehicle should be established to take the ring-fenced crowdfunder cash, rather than simply returning it to the SNP's coffers.
• Far-Right Riots and The Belfast Response: We turn to the appalling, racist violence in Belfast and across the UK, fueled by outside agitators and Nigel Farage's "pure cold fury" remarks. Yet amidst the nightmare, there is a surprisingly upbeat takeaway: the refreshingly robust, united front from Northern Irish politicians across the divide. From the SDLP to the Democratic Unionists, local leaders have explicitly repudiated the racism and told the armchair warriors exactly where to go.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Orkney and the Netherlands: Lesley reflects on a week of incredible, volunteer-led musicianship at the Orkney Folk Festival. We also compare the well-maintained, cycle-friendly infrastructure of the Netherlands with the sad state of Edinburgh Airport's rolled-up corrugated paper door wedges.
• Operation Hingaboot Mark II: A large crowd gathered outside Holyrood for the Section 30 request vote. We discuss the ongoing disconnect between the SNP corporate leadership and the grassroots Yes movement
• Peter Murrell and SNP Governance: Following Peter Murrell's guilty plea, we unpack the agreed narrative of financial mismanagement. We examine the culture of deference that allowed £12,500 of Apple products and a £3,500 silver wine coaster to be coded without curiosity, and how those who tried to raise concerns—like the "Good Guys" slate on the NEC and members of the Finance and Audit Committee—were sidelined and frustrated.
• Labour's Leaks and Leadership: The latest document dump reveals damning WhatsApp connections between Peter Mandelson and Pat McFadden, who seems to lament the idea of taxing to pay benefits. With Keir Starmer's slow-moving demise, Andy Burnham's by-election date set, and Tony Blair wading into the policy debate, Labour is looking increasingly rudderless.
• Education and NEETs: Reflecting on Alan Milburn's report on young people not in employment, education, or training. We compare the UK's approach to the Dutch system's high engagement in vocational education and the need for a shift away from traditional, purely academic routes.

Links

• Highland Clearances; communities fight back - Crowdfunder
• Clearance site event at Rosal on June 12th-14th June 

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• The "Smoke-Filled Room": Why did the party choose to ignore the glaringly obvious warning signs for so long? * The Closed-Shop Legacy: Reflecting on the Sturgeon-Murrell era and how internal critics like Joanna Cherry and Douglas Chapman were sidelined.
• Corporate Festival vs. Grassroots Campaigning: How the party tilt shifted toward "Heathrow Lounges" and away from its own members.
• Taking Back the Mojo: Why the Yes movement needs to become a self-organising, self-authorising force rather than waiting on a nod from ANY party HQ.

We discuss the ongoing First Minister elections, with John Swinney set to be confirmed. We look at the parliamentary process, the inevitable outcome and why other party leaders put their names forward despite the forgone conclusion.

• Time for Scotland: John Swinney has promised a debate to ask for a Section 30 order on his first day of business. We put out a call as the Time for Scotland posse to all independence supporters to head to Holyrood with saltires next Tuesday evening to ensure the movement remains visible to broadcasters.
• New Cabinet: We chew over the runners and riders for the new cabinet, which John Swinney has promised will be gender-equal. Could Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins be stepping into key ministerial roles within the Scottish Government?
• Wallace's Letter: We share an exclusive tip-off from a respected Scottish historian regarding a rare safe conduct letter belonging to William Wallace. Currently on loan to Edinburgh from the National Archives at Kew, they now want it returned. 
• Holyrood's New Presiding Officer: A look at the unexpected selection of Kenny Gibson as the new Presiding Officer, beating the supposed Scottish Government preferred candidate, Clare Haughey. Could his track record of not pulling punches liven up dull parliamentary debates?
• Andy Burnham and Devolution: We look South to the upcoming by-elections and Andy Burnham’s push to devolve power out of London. We unpack why his proposed model of directly elected mayors grafted onto collections of councils falls short of genuine democratic devolution.
• The Highland Clearances: Lesley discusses her recent interview with eminent historian Jim Hunter for an upcoming film about Strathnaver, bringing the harrowing history of the Clearances and figures like Patrick Sellar into sharp focus.

Links
The rose of all the world is not for me.

I want for my part

Only the little white rose of Scotland

That smells sharp and sweet—and breaks the heart.
Hugh MacDiarmid

Professor James Hunter on life in Rosal pre-clearance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07ShY03cc_g

Who is josh simons? His greatest hits include spying on journalists and saying that people smugglers should be exiled to Scotland, had a majority of 5399 at the last General Election. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/14/who-is-josh-simons-labour-mp-andy-burnham

We discuss some of the comings and at time of recording not yet goings at Westminster as Keir Starmer looks increasingly shoogly in Number Ten. Before turning to look at all the post election news from Scotland – muse on the outcome and commiserate on the lack of cut through for smaller indy parties. 

Links
Andrew Tickell on Anas Sarwar https://www.thenational.scot/politics/26092818.anas-sarwar-came-saw-lost-still-dont-learn/

Psalm of the People - https://www.sailmnandaoine.co.uk/
Rob MacNeacail embarks on a road trip across Scotland and Ireland to explore the tradition of Gaelic psalm singing. An entertaining and heart-warming film about the power of community, family and the resilience needed to keep a language alive.

Songs to learn

1. Freedom Come all Ye - Hamish Henderson Lyrics - https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/freedom-come-all-ye/

Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRyANctEHBs

2. Cap in hand - Proclaimers

https://genius.com/The-proclaimers-cap-in-hand-lyrics

3. Mountain Thyme - ancient Scottish/Irish 

https://irish-song-lyrics.com/Wild_Mountain_Thyme.shtml

Poets mentioned
Gerda Stevenson - Quines - poems in tribute to women of Scotland https://luath.co.uk/products/quines?srsltid=AfmBOoq45f__MfEiouXPAzL0LSYPp1-9E7Q4I6RPJxVLkloUjEtpOsE8

Aonghas MacNeacail - https://www.scottishreviewofbooks.org/2012/06/black-angus-at-70/