The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson

Sir Keir Starmer has resigned. What will his departure mean, and can his likely replacement Andy Burnham succeed? We also discuss the by-election results in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry and Aberdeen South. And St Andrews University academic Dr Antonis Vradis speaks to us about his experience on the Gaza flotilla.  

Yet more cuts at Dundee University mean lots more job losses. The team assesses what’s gone wrong and digs into the political backlash. It’s also the week of three big UK by-elections, including two covering Dundee and Aberdeen. We spoke to voters in Aberdeen South for their views.

Six party candidates join the Stooshie to go over the priorities for the key by-election, being held on June 18. Join us for a 90-minute special edition with candidates from the Conservatives, SNP, Reform, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Green party.  

Plans to build a huge new AI data centre near a Fife village have proven divisive. But businessman Mark Wilson, the man behind the scheme, thinks it’s a “game-changer” for Fife. He speaks to us on the podcast about how he will address the concerns of Auchtertool villagers.

Politicians in London and Edinburgh are under pressure to listen to rural island voices and build better connections under the sea. We spoke to an engineer who builds tunnels around the world – but not our own islands. Andy Sloan has been talking to Westminster and Holyrood recently, and says infrastructure upgrades on that scale are a reality – it just needs political ‘champions’.

The former first minister is our special guest on the podcast this week. Mr Yousaf spoke candidly about Peter Murrell’s embezzlement conviction and the SNP campervan controversy. He also opens up about his in-laws being trapped in Gaza in late 2023 and gives his thoughts on the rise of Reform UK at the Holyrood election.

Just when you thought it was safe to forget about the election, along come two more. The team looks at the upcoming Westminster by-elections in Aberdeen South, and in Abroath and Broughty Ferry. John Swinney is sworn in as first minister once again - but what challenges lie ahead for his new government?

The team picks out the highlights from the Holyrood election and the stories behind the scenes. We look at the leaders, asking who is safe and whose coat is on a shoogly peg. We also assess the under-reported stories and concerns about a “spoiler” party targeting the Greens.  

The future of the north-east takes centre stage in a specially recorded live edition of the podcast in Aberdeen. Six candidates from all main parties across the region join host Andy Philip in front of an audience at The Press and Journal offices in the city. Debate, including sharp questions from the public, covers the energy economy, transport, a housing emergency, colleges and universities, and the NHS. Listen to the full two-hour event here, recorded on April 30, in the run-up to the Scottish Parliament election on May 7.

The Holyrood election on May 7 takes centre stage in a specially recorded Leaders Debate live edition of the podcast in Dundee. Six leaders of Scotland's main political parties join host Sean O'Neil in front of an audience at The Courier's offices in the city.      

The team talks through each of the six parties as we hit the final stretch. Can the  SNP win big or will they be pegged back? Who will win the battle for second place? And for the losers, what happens next?  

The NHS is the number one concern for voters at the upcoming Holyrood election. Dr Chris Williams, based in Grantown-on-Spey, talks about the strain on GPs at the moment. What does he think the next government can do to help after May 7, and will walk-in clinics help ease pressure?

The Stooshie looks through the results of our survey on election priorities. This week, the decline of the high street and what can be done to fix it. We also look at the state of play for political party manifestos while we wait for the SNP and Lib Dems to complete the set.

We look at a topic which is animating voters in rural Scotland ahead of the election. Campaigners from Angus to the Highlands worry about plans for giant pylons. They say it could blight the landscape and want to see the proposed schemes ditched. Energy giants SSEN say the upgrades are necessary for the country’s grid. So how much will this matter come May 7?

We look at each party as the Holyrood election gets into full swing. Tories and SNP start in Aberdeen with an energy focus, while Labour goes island hopping. Lib Dems think they should be back in parliament already. Reform are still trying to work out who their own candidates are. And the Greens had an almighty scrap with themselves. Onwards to May 7!  

Mum Beth Morrison opens up on her decade-long fight to change restraint and seclusion laws after her disabled son Calum was left covered in bruises and traumatised at school when he was 11 years old. @Enable_Tweets @djohnsonmsp

The SNP gathered for a pre-election gathering in Edinburgh – what’s the mood in the party? We hear from Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins, two MPs hoping to win a berth at Holyrood on May 7. Aberdeen University has become caught up in the Iran war at its Qatar campus. And we get a look inside a fighting Green party branch where bullying claims are causing bitter fall-outs.

The landmark plan to legalise assisted dying in Scotland has reached crunch time at Holyrood. MSP Liam McArthur explains how he's trying to convince wavering politicians to back the legislation next week. We also reflect on a week of turmoil in the economy from inside the energy debate in London. And we catch up on Scottish election developments, including a look ahead to Reform's candidates being revealed.

To help us make sense of the UK Government’s economic plans, and problems, we’re joined by Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allender Institute. That’s a good thing because Chancellor Rachel Reeves' latest spring statement looked out of date the minute she started speaking this week. Forecasts were ripped up as oil prices shot up and conflict spread across Iran and the middle east.   Notes: Read more about this week’s topic from the Fraser of Allender’s report here: https://fraserofallander.org/uk-energy-transition-at-a-crossroads-could-the-moment-be-missed/ And see how policies are hitting businesses already, like here: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/6953706/cafe-neuk-hospitality-taskforce-government-tax/  

Tories and Lib Dems held special election conferences, both hoping to make an impact at the Scottish Parliament election on May.  We spoke to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Lib Dem leader Ed Davey about their chances while the SNP continues to stay far in front. We also look ahead to Labour in Paisley this weekend and set out our own election planning 10 weeks from polling day.  

The Scottish Information Commissioner David Hamilton sits down with The Stooshie to talk about Freedom of Information in Scotland, transparency in our NHS, the Scottish Government and local authorities - and how AI could be a gamechanger. 

Former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale joins us to rake over the chaos after Anas Sarwar stunned everyone by calling for the prime minister to quit. She knows a thing or two about what it's like to turn on the UK Labour leader, having worked with Jeremy Corbyn. Also joining us is Murray Foote, the former Daily Record editor and ex-SNP chief executive. He'd quite like to send Anas Sarwar some flowers as a thank you for sowing more turmoil in Labour while the election contest picks up pace. We also hear a bit from Jeremy Corbyn in Dundee as the turmoil swirls around Downing Street.    

The Scottish Parliament election is three months away and every party is starting their campaign conference, beginning with Jeremy Corbyn’s new left alternative party meeting in Dundee this weekend. We mark the start of the campaign phase by speaking to Ballot Box Scotland guru Allan Faulds on what the public mood is for each party. Will the SNP get their referendum election? How does Labour respond to UK polling slump and are the Tories locked in a dogfight with Reform? Can the Lib Dems make gains beyond their core vote areas, will Greens get a bounce or a dent from their time in government, and is Alba ever going to take off?

Scotland is certainly feeling the heat now, and for the first time in years, it seems faraway threats are beginning to appear alarmingly close. From Donald Trump and Greenland, to Russia and a confused world order. We spoke to Andrew Neal, Professor of International Security at Edinburgh University, to make sense of the threat and impact across the north of Scotland.

There is a link, honestly. While Donald Trump throws his toys out of his pram, his words are felt everywhere. In Fife, Nigel Farage was holding court and tried to defend his friend’s attitude, saying he’s sure he wouldn’t invade. The prime minister and Tory leader were also all in Scotland to talk about energy. Will the people who see the pylons go up ever see their bills go down? We asked UK energy minister Michael Shanks.  

The Stooshie looks at this week's Scottish budget from the SNP Government. Was it an election special? Who wins and loses? We also look at question marks over the future set-up of national treatment centres. And UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks answers questions about when communities in rural Scotland will finally see bills come down while they see pylons and turbines go up.

The refreshed DC Thomson politics team reconvenes to get ready for a Scottish Parliament election in May. We start with First Minister John Swinney's new year speech - does his quest for independence chime with community priorities? The team also reflects on the top stories over Christmas and discusses what the talking points will be in 2026. Will single issue flashpoints like immigration really trump concerns about the NHS and public spending

Join us, and potentially beat us, in our comprehensive quiz tour of hyper local and random international political highs and lows. Were you paying attention to the regional list for Mid Scotland and Fife at Holyrood? Do you know how many times John Swinney said “independence” in a speech? Did you follow the Holyrood dog of the year competition? And are you aware of the prime minister of a country called Australia? If so, this is the quiz for you. Play along and join us again in the new year as we gear up for the Scottish election in May.

A two-parter on this week’s Stooshie as we delve into the decision on the Sandie Peggie transgender changing room tribunal. What does it mean for the nurse, the transgender doctor and NHS Fife? We go over the promises and policies from SNP leader John Swinney on energy. He promised to reduce energy bills…if he gets a majority, if he gets another referendum, if he wins, and so on. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn joins us to talk about the idea in the run up to next May’s election.

We speak to one of the patients harmed by disgraced surgeon Sam Eljamel, who worked at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee for years. Jules Rose has been a leading campaigner in the long fight for a public inquiry, which is now under way. But a shock development last week has fuelled their anger even further. Around 40 surgery theatre logbooks were destroyed by NHS Tayside, and there are more questions than answers.  

Mike Tholen from Offshore Energies UK joins us to explain why oil and gas firms are so angry at Chancellor Rachel Reeves' budget. What happens next? Will windmills and green technology save the day? Or are we now witness a rapid demise of industry with worrying echoes of coal in the 1980s? Our agenda-setting coverage of the Sam Eljamel surgery scandal continues with more on shocking revelations at NHS Tayside. As documents are destroyed, patients and the health secretary are fuming, and we have more details.

We take a close look at the dramatic plan to shut Mossmorran plant in Fife with the potential loss of hundreds of jobs. Is this another nail in the coffin of "net zero"? Does anyone in government have an actual plan for energy and jobs? We're joined by Green MSP Mark Ruskell to look at the options, the missed opportunities and ask - what can happen next?

Our extended featured interview with Professor Nigel Seaton marks what could be a major turning point for Dundee University. One year after the financial crisis hit the headlines, is the university safe? What happens next? And does he regret taking that call to take on the difficult job? The Courier editor David Clegg joins political journalists Alasdair Clark and Andy Philip to look at the institutional failures, how the city has responded to the crisis and how this saga is a warning for the entire country.

Scottish prisons are creaking at the seams with inmates, and staff are bearing the brunt. Some prisoners are being released in a third “emergency” pressure release. Phil Fairlie of the Scottish Prison Officers Association joins us to explain what it’s like on the front line. We also look at the latest stories behind the headlines, including a glimmer of good news for people caught up in the crumbling concrete housing crisis in Aberdeen. And we look at an update on disgraced NHS Tayside surgeon Sam Eljamel as the public inquiry gets closer.

From Russian aggression, to culture wars in the aisles of a Dundee Hobbycraft, this week’s Stooshie covers ground. We start with a catch up after Scottish Parliament recess and what we gleaned from a few days in Whitehall and Westminster. Defence is a hot topic, with German planes using RAF Lossiemouth and big questions about the threat from Russia off Scotland’s coasts. The team gets into the new plan to use an Inverness barracks as migrant accommodation – how are locals reacting? And we look at toxic culture wars on gender and freedom of speech, including a Tory “joke” about Rangers, and a gender rights row in a craft shop.

On this week's episode, The Courier's campaigns editor Sean O'Neill joins The Stooshie to talk about the Voice for Victims campaign which pushed for changes to legislation to improve the parole system for victims and their families. Sean discusses why this is so important and how locals let down by the system inspired the campaign. And most importantly - what comes next?

We look at a hard-hitting series about the institutional failures which added to an abuse survivor’s ordeal in the Highlands. The Stooshie delves into the repercussions of The Chameleon, published by the P&J. We look at the political impact, the need for big changes and how survivors can be better protected. Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole Hamilton also joins us for a run-through of his ambitions for next May’s elections, as the party heads to its conference this weekend.

The SNP conference is being held in Aberdeen this weekend, and there’s an election around the corner. SNP MP Graham Leadbitter joins the Stooshie to look at the big talking points. We cover the ever-present focus of independence, the policies getting people talking and the challenges for John Swinney. And we look at the political challenge from a bruised Conservative party and an upstart Reform group.

Maurice Golden is calling time on dog thieves. He hopes a new law that could seem them caged for five years will pass its first Scottish Parliament hurdle. In the Stooshie, the North East MSP sets out why dog theft is different and describes surprising links to organised crime gangs. First, the team discusses the impact of placing asylum seekers at a university campus in Aberdeen full of international students. And how a wall of silence in Perth & Kinross led to important discussions about reporting immigration stories.

Labour MP Graeme Downie talks to us about the health of the party before conference begins in Liverpool. He was in Dunfermline with deputy leadership candidate Lucy Powell this week, after the resignation of Angela Rayner. What do MPs think of Keir Starmer’s leadership? How are they fighting Reform’s advance? And what is the mood in Scottish Labour before a crucial Holyrood election next spring?

Asylum seekers are being moved from hotels to student halls of residence - what do people in Aberdeen think? Why is the Home Office being so terrible at explaining what’s happening? We look at a Reform/Tory turf war in an SNP target seat. And what do changes to the law mean for victims of crime? SNP MSP Kevin Stewart also joins to go over his high points and experience with mental health struggles as he prepares to leave parliament next spring.

We look at the big Offshore Europe conference on the energy industry, hearing how there might be grounds for optimism despite upheaval. Business journalist Kelly Wilson describes the changes over time and the mood in the “energy capital” of Aberdeen. Also in the Granite City, Nicola Sturgeon was there to promote her book. Political journalist Denny Andonova was in the audience to hear about everything from roller skating to the battle for Scotland’s flag.

The Stooshie team is refreshed from our summer break … in which we did a lot of work. Things that got in the way of cocktails by the pool include: Golf course chats with Donald Trump Protests outside hotels for asylum seekers from Aberdeen to Perth The rise of Reform, and trouble for Tories Investigations into the future of Dundee university. All that and a look ahead to a parliamentary election year in Scotland.

Some stark contrasts in this week’s episode as we look at splits and partnerships in politics. We look at Fergus Ewing’s dramatic exit from the SNP after decades of service, only to stand against his former party next May. And we speak to a husband and wife team who secured the top two slots for the Liberal Democrats on the North East Scotland regional ballot paper.

Dundee and the wider Tayside region has served as the pilot for a scheme to tackle public debt. National charity Aberlour have been helping families in poverty unable to pay their rent or council tax. But how has the project worked for the local community, and can it actually save taxpayers’ cash?

Scottish Conservative chief Russell Findlay joins us ahead of his party’s conference in Edinburgh this weekend. He speaks candidly about his first year in the job and addresses Tory council defections to Reform. We also hear exclusively about his party’s proposals for an emergency law to fast-track A9 dualling.

Two political heavyweights started the week in Scotland, and we went to speak to both. In Aberdeen, Nigel Farage unveiled his latest north-east defector from the Tories. And in Glasgow, Keir Starmer outlined the impact of his defence spending plans. We look through the developments - including a weird Reform attack on the media - to see what it means locally. And we look at the timing as voters in a crucial Holyrood by-election prepare to cast their ballots.    

This week's episode focuses on our in-depth coverage of the fall-out from the St Andrews University rector's comments on Israel. We reveal the behind-the-scenes efforts to secure £2m from a spooked donor, and allegations of hate crimes in the ancient university town. The by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse is turning poisonous.  We look at Reform leader Nigel Farage and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar's comments on minority communities and values. And we focus on how one grandmother's stress over the future of her sheltered home illustrates the real-life impact of tough budget choices

The link between a college funding crisis and the future of jobs is becoming clear. We look closely at UHI Perth, and at Nescol in Aberdeen, Peterhead and Fraserburgh to see what it means. If they can't train the workers of the future, what's the point of worrying about that fabled energy industry 'just transition' anyway? We also look at polling showing Reform on track to stun Conservatives - and everyone else - with a focus on multiple defections in one council, Aberdeenshire.  

Reporter Lindsay Bruce joins the podcast to describe what’s happening in communities affected by the crumbling concrete crisis caused by Raac in housing. Lindsay has spent months speaking with people who are losing their homes in places such as Torry in Aberdeen. Parts of Dundee are also caught up in the crisis, leaving local government with a hefty bill. And while we campaign for justice for those affected by the crisis, what are our politicians doing other than blaming each other?