Best Planet Holyrood Podcasts (2025)

1
Planet Holyrood 28/5/25 - Racism allegations hit the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by election | Where is the Labour candidate? | Predictions with one week to go 30:10

3d ago30:10

30:10

Paul Hutcheon is joined by Hannah Rodger and Ben Borland to discuss the latest events in Scottish politics. Was Farage's Reform advert racist? Where is Anas Sarwar's candidate hiding? Can Reform beat Labour to second place in Hamilton? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Reach Podcasts

1
IS ANGELA RAYNER MANOEUVRING FOR TOP JOB? 42:57

9d ago42:57

42:57

Speculation is rife that the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, will be privately pleased that details of her tax reform memo to Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, have been leaked to the Telegraph. Is she on manoeuvres and is she a credible candidate for the top job? Also The SNP has criticised the Prime Minister's EU deal - but aren't these things tha…

1
Planet Holyrood 21/05/25 - Starmer's EU reset, Ash Regan's sex work bill and could Reform clinch second place? 29:28

10d ago29:28

29:28

Keir Starmer’s Labour Government has been accused of a “shameful betrayal” of fishermen after granting European boats access to UK waters as part of a new deal. Alba's Ash Regan has launched launched a Bill to clampdown on people who pay for sex, whilst also revealing a former prostitute has claimed current MSPs bought sex from her when she sold he…

1
LABOUR: "DANCING TO A RIGHT WING TUNE" ON IMMIGRATION - WHAT'S THE COST? 54:26

15d ago54:26

54:26

Bernard and Alex discuss the danger for Labour of dancing to the right-wing's tune on immigration. What does it mean? What (if anything) does Keir Starmer stand for? What does Labour now stand for? Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Question…

1
Plant Holyrood special 16/05/25 - SNP's Katy Loudon prepares for the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election 36:48

15d ago36:48

36:48

Daily Record political editor Paul Hutcheon catches up with SNP candidate Katy Loudon ahead of the upcoming Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Reach Podcasts

1
Planet Holyrood 14/05/25 - Assisted dying passes | Immigration clampdown | Hamilton by-election countdown 39:01

17d ago39:01

39:01

After a succesful holyrood vote, political editor of the Daily Record Paul Hutcheon is joined by Hannah Rodger and Douglas Dickie to discuss how likely the Assisted Dying Scotland Bill is to reach the third stage. Also on the agenda is Keir Starmer's need to placate Reform, as well as the latter party's chances of scooping second place in the Hamil…

1
Reform UK in Scottish Polls - How Much is Media Hype? 52:10

23d ago52:10

52:10

Summary In this episode of the Ponsonby and Massie podcast, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie discuss the recent program for government announced by John Swinney, analyzing its implications and the political landscape in Scotland. They explore the limited legislative agenda, the scrapping of peak fares, the promise of more GP appointments, and the s…

1
Planet Holyrood 07/05/25: Holyrood election - one year to go | Is John Swinney using Nigel Farage as a bogeyman? | Do the Tories face electoral oblivion? 31:14

24d ago31:14

31:14

The Daily Record's Chris McCall is joined by the Sunday Mail's John Ferguson and Ben Borland of the Scottish Daily Express to dissect the latest from the world of politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Reach Podcasts

1
One Year to Scottish Parliament Election 42:32

27d ago42:32

42:32

In a week that saw Reform UK make seismic advances in the English Local Elections and the Runcorn & Helsby Parliamentary By Election, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie deep dive into the current state of the parties in Scotland - one year from the 2026 Scottish Parliament Elections. What does the rise of Reform UK mean in Scotland, what are the impl…

1
Planet Holyrood | Sarwar & Swinney at STUC | Grangemouth ends refining | Assisted dying in Scotland 31:00

1M ago31:00

31:00

Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon is joined by Sunday Mail Political Editor Hannah Rodger and Scottish Express Digital Editor Douglas Dickie on the Planet Holyrood podcast to discuss John Swinney and Anas Sarwar’s flatly received speeches at STUC, the closure of Grangemouth after almost 100 years of refining oil, and the approach of a Hol…

1
IS RELIGION RELEVANT IN MODERN SCOTLAND? 46:36

1M ago46:36

46:36

Bernard and Alex discuss: Religion's relevance today: They explore how religion is now more comfortably discussed by Scottish politicians compared to 20–30 years ago. There's a nuanced conversation about Scotland’s move from a heavily religious society to a secular one, and a new resurgence of faith among younger Scots. The gender recognition legal…

1
Planet Holyrood 23/04/25 - John Swinney hosts anti-Reform summit | Hamilton by-election latest | SNP Supreme Court defeat 36:50

1M ago36:50

36:50

Paul Hutcheon is joined by the Sunday Mail's John Ferguson and Ben Borland of the Scottish Daily Express to look at all the big political talking points Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Reach Podcasts

1
Planet Holyrood SPECIAL - Exclusive interview with First Minister John Swinney 37:07

1M ago37:07

37:07

This week the Daily Record's political editor Paul Hutcheon is joined by the First Minister and leader of the Scottish National Party, John Swinney. The pair sit down over a plate of Tunnock's teacakes to discuss the issues Record readers hold dear - the NHS, the cost of living, Donald Trump, and in an exclusive reaction, the Supreme Court's ruling…

1
Supreme Court Definition of a Woman Explained - What now for the Scottish Government? 43:34

1M ago43:34

43:34

Bernard and Alex consider today's ruling from the Supreme Court in which Lord Hodge said "The unanimous decision of this court is that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex." "Successive SNP-led Scottish Governments have championed gender reform and opined on the definition of a woman …

1
Planet Holyrood 16/4/25 - Supreme Court Gender Ruling reaction | Hamilton by-election campaign kicks off 28:47

2M ago28:47

28:47

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1
Planet Holyrood 9/4/25 - Trump’s crazy tariff plans, Scottish Labour rebellion and a Green civil war? 31:03

2M ago31:03

31:03

Paul Hutcheon, John Ferguson and Ben Borland discuss 'Black Monday' as stock market meltdown sees UK shares lose £100billion following Donald Trump's tariffs, Scottish Labour MPs and MSPs seek rebellion against Starmer's cuts to welfare and Patrick Harvie's resignation has potentially sparked a civil war amongst the Scottish Greens. Learn more abou…

1
TRUMP'S US TARIFF WARS EXPLAINED - What does it mean for you? 47:13

2M ago47:13

47:13

Bernard and Alex explain and analyse the significance of Donald Trump's international trade tariffs and how it might affect you personally in everything from the cost of goods to your pension. Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariff offensive has triggered market turmoil and reignited fears of a full-blown trade war, with the FTSE 100 plummeting and …

1
Planet Holyrood - 2/4/25 - Donald Trump’s crazy tariff plan, Tartan Week and a pivotal Holyrood by-election 34:27

2M ago34:27

34:27

Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon is joined by Sunday Mail Political Editor Hannah Rodger and Scottish Express Digital Editor Douglas Dickie on the Planet Holyrood podcast to pore over how the Donald Trump tariffs - or the Trump tax - will hit Scotland just as Swinney and Sarwar land in the States for Tartan week. The Planet Holyrood pane…

1
CAN ANYONE SORT THE UK & SCOTTISH ECONOMY? 46:58

2M ago46:58

46:58

Bernard and Alex dive deep into Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement, dissecting the harsh realities of the UK's economic growth crisis, looming tax rises, and controversial welfare cuts that could plunge 250,000 people—including 50,000 children—into poverty. They explore the political fallout within the Labour Party, a potential backbench re…

1
Planet Holyrood - 26/3/25 - Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement and what it means for Scotland 31:32

2M ago31:32

31:32

Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon is joined by Sunday Mail Editor John Ferguson and Scottish Express Editor Ben Borland on the Planet Holyrood podcast as the panel pick apart the latest Spring Statement from the Chancellor. Listen to the Planet Holyrood Podcast here: https://pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/RPSL2375014888.mp3?updated=173755…

1
OPERATION BRANCHFORM - WHAT NOW? 45:48

2M ago45:48

45:48

OPERATION BRANCHFORM INVESTIGATION CONCLUDES STURGEON & BEATTIE - No longer under investigation. MURRELL - Facing embezzlement charges and has appeared in court. What now? PLUS Welfare reform, intergenerational inequality and public spending pressures. Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like Th…

1
Planet Holyrood 19/03/25 - Reform garners support in Scotland as Labour targets disability benefits 32:48

2M ago32:48

32:48

Support for Reform UK continues to rise and is now at its highest recorded level in Scotland, a new poll has found. Carried out by Survation, the survey predicts Nigel Farage's right-wing populist movement could return as many as 14 MSPs next year. Down south, the Labour party has announces a series of welfare cuts for disability benefits. Chris Mc…

1
Planet Holyrood 12/03/25 - Nicola Sturgeon to quit as MSP - Former First Minister’s life and legacy 32:45

3M ago32:45

32:45

Paul Hutcheon is joined by the Sunday Mail's Hannah Rodger and Ben Borland of the Scottish Daily Express to assess the news that the former SNP leader will not be standing at the next election Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Reach Podcasts

1
BREAKING: STURGEON TO STAND DOWN 47:37

3M ago47:37

47:37

Bernard and Alex discuss the news that after being an MSP since 1999, Nicola Sturgeon has announced that she will not stand for re-election at the next Scottish Parliament election. Why has she done this? A look back at her career What does it mean for the SNP? What was she like to work with? Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you li…

1
JOHN SWINNEY PART 2 39:42

3M ago39:42

39:42

PART 2 of the Ponsonby and Massie Podcast interview with the First Minister, John Swinney In his most in-depth and revealing interview since becoming Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney joins Bernard Ponsoby and Alex Massie: FEAR FOR SURVIVAL OF THE SNP * On Humza Yousaf resigning after the collapse of the Bute House agreement "If I go back to …

1
JOHN SWINNEY SPECIAL - PART 1 47:57

3M ago47:57

47:57

Part 1 of 2. In his most in-depth and wide ranging interview since becoming First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney joins Bernard and Alex. "I was exhausted" when Nicola Sturgeon stood down in 2023. My year out revitalised me and allowed me to become First Minister. If I'm elected as First Minister in 2026, I'll stand again in 2031. 2024 General E…

1
Planet Holyrood | Donald Trump’s Ukraine betrayal, Keir Starmer trying to bring the US and Ukraine together and hot head Stephen Flynn 34:08

3M ago34:08

34:08

Paul Hutcheon, John Ferguson and Douglas Dickie reflect on whirlwind world-wide events, kicked off by an unprecedented display from Presidents Donald Trump of the US and Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. A heated exchange in the White House has seen the UK step into the fray to offer support to the invaded nation, whilst the SNP Westminster Leader has…

1
Planet Holyrood | Swinney swings for Farage | Defence spending increase | Council tax hikes analysed 32:17

3M ago32:17

32:17

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1
NATO AND EUROPE SECURITY CRISIS 45:45

3M ago45:45

45:45

Bernard and Alex chew over: SECUIRTY CRISIS - NATO and Europe in a Security crisis as "strongmen" Trump and Putin carve up the geopolitical map. GENDER - Last week's debate around gender issues and disagreements on the ability to debate them in the Scottish Parliament puts further pressure on First Minister, John Swinney, and the role of the Presid…

1
Planet Holyrood | Will Scottish Labour conference mark a turning point? 25:59

3M ago25:59

25:59

This week sees Scottish Labour's annual conference, with the Prime Minister due to appear. But will new policies and a u-turn on gender reform be enough to make up for the PM's own turbulent start in office and save the party north of the border? With the Record's Paul Hutcheon, Sunday Mail's John Ferguson and Douglas Dickie of the Scottish Daily E…

1
STARMER & McSWEENEY - The Inside Story 55:17

3M ago55:17

55:17

Times journalist and co-author of a new book on the current Labour Government, Patrick Maguire, joins Bernard and Alex to discuss Keir Starmer and particularly the relationship with his Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney. PATRICK MAGUIRE ON McSWEENEY "People say, ‘Why is this the Morgan McSweeney story with Keir Starmer as a supporting actor?’—becaus…

1
Planet Holyrood Special | EXCLUSIVE interview with Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar 40:25

3M ago40:25

40:25

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1
TRUMP & PUTIN - Carve-Up Ukraine & Rip-Up Western Defence 49:39

4M ago49:39

49:39

Alex and Bernard are joined by former SNP Defence Spokesperson in the UK Parliament, Stewart McDonald. On the Ukraine War and Trump's Role “We survived this old man one time before, we'll survive him a second time around.” – Stewart McDonald on Ukrainian resilience against Putin and Trump “This idea that their land can just be chopped up by Washing…

1
Is Labour Bust Economically and Electorally? 51:03

4M ago51:03

51:03

Alex and Bernard discuss the latest polls and fiscal challenges facing Labour so early in a new government. Also, Trump continues to cut up the rule book in America and - what's it really like backstage at BBC Question Time. 📌 On Political Polls & SNP Strategy: 🗣️ "Do I believe any poll? No. All polls are a snapshot of opinion, but when a clear tre…

1
Planet Holyrood | More poll woe for Scottish Labour | Sturgeon v Swinney on the Promise |Trump and tariffs 37:16

4M ago37:16

37:16

Is this the worst poll yet for Scottish Labour? Swinney and Sturgeon are allies - but are they set to fall out over the Promise? Trump and tariffs: the UK looks on nervously. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Reach Podcasts

1
Planet Holyrood | Swinney gets Budget deal, FM’s NHS damp squib relaunch, and Alba civil war 33:34

4M ago33:34

33:34

Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon is joined by Sunday Mail Chief Reporter Hannah Rodger and Douglas Dicke of the Scottish Daily Express on the Planet Holyrood podcast to discuss the Scottish budget's backing by the Greens and Lib Dems, Swinney's NHS relaunch and a leadership contest that's brewing amongst Alba. Learn more about your ad ch…

1
TRUMP'S PROTECTIONISM - An Opportunity for the UK & Scotland? 47:17

4M ago47:17

47:17

Does Trump's "America First" start to his second term as US President, with trade wars, tough immigration policies, border controls and pulling back from international cooperation actually create an opportunity for the UK and Scotland? Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politic…

1
Planet Holyrood | Second Trump presidency, John Swinney visa proposals discussed, and the latest on Operation Branchform 35:20

4M ago35:20

35:20

Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon is joined by Sunday Mail Editor John Ferguson and Scottish Express Digital Editor Douglas Dickie on the Planet Holyrood podcast to discuss what the second presidency of Donald Trump will mean for Scotland, John Swinney’s plans for graduate visas and the latest on OPeration Branchform Listen to the Planet …

1
STURGEON ON SALMOND 49:24

4M ago49:24

49:24

On Nicola Sturgeon's Criticism of Alex Salmond and His Family's Response “Telling the truth is now considered an attack and something that should be forbidden or locked away in a box.” “Nicola Sturgeon’s Financial Times interview was more candid than her ‘measured’ statements to Parliament – did she conceal critical details?” On Reform UK and Scott…

1
Planet Holyrood | Sturgeon's divorce, Nigel Farage takes Holyrood, and is Rachel Reeves in trouble? 27:26

5M ago27:26

27:26

Paul Hutcheon is joined by Hannah Rodger and Ben Borland to discuss Nicola Sturgeon's divorce announcement, as well as a new poll showing Reform gaining seats in Scotland. Plus, is Rachel Reeves in trouble, and what will a reform rise mean for Scottish Labour and Conservatives? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
IS SCOTTISH NATIONALISM POPULIST? 47:59

5M ago47:59

47:59

In the first episode of 2025, Alex calls out John Swinney's warnings on leaving the door open to populists "if populism is to be defined as sort of sweeping generalized single solution to all problems and so on, then isn't Scottish independence the single greatest act of populism in recent Scottish political history?" Also, the Scottish Budget, Lab…

1
Planet Holyrood | John Swinney and Anas Sarwar set out their New Year visions 31:42

5M ago31:42

31:42

John Swinney and Anas Sarwar set out their parties positions as we head in to 2025. Is the SNP on their way to an election win, or will Scottish Labour be able to shake off down south's unpopular policies by the time May 2026 comes around? Paul Hutcheon is joined by Ben Borland, John Ferguson and Douglas Dickie to discuss all things branchform, Sta…

1
REVIEW OF THE YEAR 49:49

5M ago49:49

49:49

As the year draws to a close, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie convene to reflect on a year that promised to change the world with more people voting in elections across the globe than at any other time in human history. But did it really change anything for the better? Scotland, Westminster and Global politics in this episode. Merry Christmas from…

1
CHRISTMAS PARTY POLITICS 49:24

5M ago49:24

49:24

We're heading into the Christmas season but not at the expense of political news: Scottish Labour Leader, Anas Sarwar, is heading for festive fisticuffs with the Prime Minister over Waspi Women. Bernard and Alex examine the issue and whether it's all talk or can it be solved? Nicola Sturgeon has given a series of interviews but was it a sensible id…

1
Planet Holyrood | Review of the Year 38:57

5M ago38:57

38:57

Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon is joined by Sunday Mail Chief Reporter Hannah Rodger and Scottish Express Digital EditorDouglas Dickie on the Planet Holyrood podcast to review another year in Scottish politics. Has Swinney out performed Yousaf? Can the SNP survive Operation Branchform? Is Starmer making life difficult for Sarwar? Plus,…

1
Planet Holyrood - Edinburgh Council leader Cammy Day resigns | Scotland’s education mess | Scottish Labour support lowest in three years 30:33

6M ago30:33

30:33

Daily Record Deputy Political Editor Chris McCall is joined by Sunday Mail Political Editor John Ferguson and Scottish Express Editor Ben Borland on the Planet Holyrood podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Reach Podcasts

1
WHAT'S GONE WRONG FOR SCOTTISH LABOUR? 43:07

6M ago43:07

43:07

In the wake of a poll in the Sunday Times reporting that Scottish Labour are a long way from preventing the SNP forming a third decade of Scottish Government in 2026 and reports of grumblings within the party from members and supporters at a recent Scottish Labour event, Bernard and Alex ask - what's gone wrong less than 6 months after the party de…

1
Planet Holyrood 04/12/24 - Budget special as SNP announce child benefit lift and NHS increase 29:01

6M ago29:01

29:01

Paul Hutcheon, Hannah Rodger and Douglas Dickie give a run-through of the Scottish Government's budget. The SNP Finance Secretary also announced an additional £2 billion for Scotland's struggling NHS. In a welcome break for workers, Shona Robison said income tax rates have been frozen until 2026, while the amount at which the basic and intermediate…

1
2024 PONSONBY & MASSIE POLITICAL AWARDS 1:02:54

6M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Who will win a coveted Ponsonby and Massie coffee mug as Bernard and Alex convene in the Kilderkin Bar on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh to hold their own annual Scottish political award ceremony over pints. Also, after Nicola Sturgeon was paid £25,000 to take part in an ITV election programme, Bernard reveals for the first time how much the BBC offer…

1
STV's JOHN MACKAY: New Book on Biggest Stories of His Career 46:23

6M ago46:23

46:23

Anchorman, John Mackay, is one of the best known faces on television in Scotland as the lead presenter of STV's top rated news programmes. In his new book "Scotland Today & Yesterday" John records the biggest stories of his career from Dunblane to the Independence Referendum and tells Bernard and Alex what it was really like living in front of the …

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