Unspun Live

A live recording of The Herald and Women in Public Affairs Holyrood hustings. Chaired by The Herald's editor Catherine Salmond, the panel brought together Shirley-Ann Somerville (SNP), Jackie Baillie (Scottish Labour), Sue Webber (Scottish Conservatives), Wendy Chamberlain (Scottish Liberal Democrats), Gillian Mackay (Scottish Greens) and Kim Schmullian (Reform UK) to debate the issues shaping the next parliament.Recorded at The Herald's Glasgow offices on April 30, 2026.

The parties have set out their big promises on tax, spending and the cost of living.But how much of it adds up?In this episode of Unspun Live, Andrew Learmonth speaks to David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to break down the numbers behind the manifestos.From tax cuts that “don’t add up” to spending plans with “big holes”, Phillips delivers a blunt assessment of what’s on offer and what’s missing.The key warning is that whoever forms the next Scottish Government faces a “real tough” budget in the years ahead.

In a busy election campaign, serious conversations around policy are few and far between. But with one in five children living in poverty, deputy political editor Rebecca McCurdy speaks to Chris Birt, the associate director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation about the "weaponisation" of welfare and those claiming benefits. But there is also calls for honesty over universal policies.

In the latest of The Herald’s leaders’ interviews, Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay weighs up the prospect of becoming first minister, following the endorsement of Ross Greer. But given that prospect is unlikely, she weighs up the likelihood of serving as deputy first minister under John Swinney in an SNP-led administration. As Scotland’s only female leader of a political party, Ms Mackay also addresses what the Holyrood campaign has really been like.

First Minister John Swinney joins Unspun Live as the Holyrood election campaign gathers pace.In this wide-ranging interview, the First Minister discusses the tough choices ahead for Scotland’s finances, including the need for substantial reform of public services, and sets out his economic pitch to voters.He also says why he thinks Reform UK is dangrous. And with polls suggesting the SNP could win a majority, we ask what that would mean for a second independence referendum and how he would respond if Westminster says no.

In the latest of The Herald’s leader interviews, Russell Findlay sets out his pitch for the next month's election.He sets out his party's plans to cut the “vast layer of lanyard-wearing people who don’t appear to actually serve the public”.We also talk potholes, the NHS, tax and spending, as well as the challenge of rebuilding trust after the Conservatives’ 2024 defeat and the threat posed by Reform UK.The Scottish Conservative leader also reflects on his first campaign at the helm an what the future might hold

In the second of The Herald’s leader interviews, Anas Sarwar sets out his pitch for the election.He tells Kevin McKenna why he believes Scotland “can’t afford a third decade of the SNP” and insists his “first loyalty is always going to be to Scotland” after his public break with Keir Starmer.He talk's about the NHS, education, apprenticeships and inequality, as well as Labour’s struggle to win back working-class voters and the rise of Reform UK.The Scottish Labour leader also outlines what his first 100 days in power would look like and why he believes this election is “not a protest”.

In the first of The Herald’s leader interviews, Alex Cole-Hamilton sets out his pitch for the Holyrood election.He also explains why he would refuse to back John Swinney to be FM under any circumstances.We talk NHS and social care, phones in schools, ferry disruption, energy bills, tactical voting, and whether a fragmented parliament could reshape Scottish politics.The Scottish Lib Dem leader also explains why door-knocking is his “happy place”.

Christina McKelvie was the SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse when she died of secondary breast cancer, aged 57, on March 27, 2025.Her partner, and SNP depute leader, Keith Brown speaks to Political Correspondent Hannah Brown to mark a year since her passing.He describes the last year as deeply difficult, but says the memories and stories people have of Christina help him celebrate her life.

Reform UK’s Holyrood campaign is up and running but not without turbulence.In this episode of Unspun Live, we go inside the party’s manifesto launch in Renfrewshire, where Nigel Farage brought the showbiz and Malcolm Offord set out an ambitious pitch to voters.But within 24 hours, the campaign hit trouble with a candidate suspended and controversy swirling around others.We’re joined by The Herald’s Kathleen Nutt, who was in the room, to unpack the atmosphere, the media reaction, and what Reform supporters are actually saying about immigration, net zero and tax cuts.Then, we put the numbers to the test. David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies assesses Reform’s flagship promise to cut income tax and explains why the claim it will “pay for itself” doesn’t stack up.

Last week a fire tore through a listed building on Union Street, just yards from Glasgow Central Station, shutting down Scotland’s busiest railway hub and sending more than 200 firefighters to battle the blaze.In this episode of Unspun Live, The Herald's political editor Andrew Learmonth is joined by reporters Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco and Gaby Mackay, who spent days investigating the story behind the fire.They discuss what is known about how the blaze started in a vape shop, the role lithium-ion batteries may have played, and the complicated ownership and regulatory questions surrounding the premises.The conversation also explores what the incident reveals about the regulation of vape shops across Scotland, the pressures on Scotland’s fire service, and the uncertain future of one of Glasgow city centre’s most prominent corners.

In an Unspun Live first, all four of The Herald's political journalists share their thoughts on how Scottish politics will change after the upcoming Holyrood election. Political Editor Andrew Learmonth is joined by Deputy Political Editor Rebecca McCurdy and Political Correspondents Kathleen Nutt and Hannah Brown as the election campaign heats up.

New polling suggests Anas Sarwar's Scottish Labour Party will slump to fourth in May's Holyrood election. Political Editor Andrew Learmonth and Deputy Political Editor Rebecca McCurdy break down the party's conference in Paisley, where Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was the elephant in the room.

Alba Party leader Kenny Macaskill said his party may be unable to field candidates in the upcoming Holyrood election because of financial issues. Christina Hendry - who is the niece of party founder Alex Salmond - is one of the prominent members now in a fight to save the pro-independence party. But will it work?

Ever wondered what Alex Cole-Hamilton's pot noodle of choice is? Then this is the podcast for you. The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader shares his thoughts on the upcoming Holyrood election, working with the SNP and Scottish Labour.

With less than three months to go until the Holyrood election, Unspun Live speaks to Iris Duane, the Scottish Greens’ 23-year-old candidate for Glasgow Kelvin and Maryhill, who could become the youngest MSP in the next Scottish Parliament.Duane talks candidly about growing up in poverty, why she believes both the SNP and Labour have run out of ideas, and why tackling child poverty would be her top priority if elected. She also discusses council funding, taxation, the Scottish Child Payment, and what she sees as the limits of devolution.The conversation also explores representation and identity in politics, barriers facing trans people in Scotland, and whether the Greens would consider working with the SNP again after the collapse of the Bute House Agreement.

Deputy Political Editor Rebecca McCurdy interviews Richard Meade, the chief executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, as the organisation launches its Holyrood manifesto, demanding urgent funding to end the housing emergency.

Reform UK's only MSP Graham Simpson comes to the defence of his party leader Nigel Farage over claims he is "racist" and addresses the confusion over the party's stance on Scottish independence.

On Budget Day, the Office for Budget Responsibility unexpectedly released its economic forecasts before the Chancellor reached the despatch box — sending Westminster and the markets into a spin. In this episode of Unspun Live, Andrew Learmonth breaks down what the leak means, why it matters, and how Rachel Reeves’ second Budget will affect taxpayers, businesses and Scotland’s finances.Andrew is joined by Ian McConnell, The Herald’s business editor, to unpack the big revenue-raising measures — from income tax threshold freezes to the changes on electric vehicle mileage, ISAs, salary sacrifice schemes and alcohol duty. They also look at Reeves’ decision to scrap the two-child limit, and what that means for the Scottish Government’s spending plans.

In this week’s episode of Unspun Live, Andrew Learmonth unpacks Holyrood's latest political and legal row.After the Scottish Government told Parliament it could not comment on its prison guidance court battle with For Women Scotland, opposition MSPs accused ministers of misleading the chamber about the limits of the law.To understand what the Contempt of Court Act, the Scottish Parliament’s sub judice rules, and the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act actually say, Andrew speaks to Edinburgh Law School’s Scott Wortley.

With Rachel Reeves laying the groundwork for potential tax rises on November 26, Andrew speaks to Dr João Sousa of the Fraser of Allander Institute about what that could mean for Scotland’s block grant – and the decisions that now land on Shona Robison’s desk.

On Unspun Live this week, Political Editor Andrew Learmonth reveals some of the politicians shortlisted for the The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year awards which will take place next month. Political Correspondent Hannah Brown joins him to discuss Your Party in Scotland following several defections to the emerging socialist party last week. She also sits down with the MP leading the new party with Jeremy Corbyn, Zarah Sultana, for the podcast ahead of a Your Party event in Glasgow.

Cabinet Secretary Màiri McAllan speaks to Unspun Live about SNP leadership, rebellions and motherhood as Political Correspondents Hannah Brown and Kathleen Nutt look ahead to the SNP’s annual conference in Aberdeen this weekend.

Scotland’s shipyards are booming again, global tensions are rising, and defence is back at the heart of political debate. In this episode, Andrew Learmonth is joined by George Allison, editor of the UK Defence Journal, and veteran foreign correspondent David Pratt to discuss The Herald’s special series on Scotland’s Defence Future.

We're joined by Eddie Barnes, director of the John Smith Centre at the University of Glasgow, which has just released research on 16- and 17-year-olds' attitudes toward politics. Eddie helps us unpack what this means for the future of civic engagement and how educators and policymakers can bridge the gap.

FOUR guests, THREE interviews and also THREE journalists on this week's Unspun Live. Hannah Brown speaks to the new Scottish Green co-leaders, Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay; Kathleen Nutt speaks to Alex Cole-Hamilton about the prospect of more defections to the Lib Dems; and Andrew Learmonth speaks to Malcolm Offord about what should and shouldn't happen in the next decade of devolution.

Lothian MSP Jeremy Balfour has quit the Scottish Conservatives after nearly 40 years in the party. In his resignation letter he accused the leadership under Russell Findlay of “falling into the trap of reactionary politics,” chasing headlines and ignoring both Scotland’s cities and its most vulnerable people.In this episode of Unspun Live, Andrew Learmonth sits down with Jeremy to talk through the hardest decision of his political career, why he believes the Conservatives have “given up on Edinburgh and Glasgow,” and what needs to change in social security. He also reflects on his future — and whether he could stand as an independent next May.

On the last day of The Herald's Unspun Live at the Fringe, deputy First Minister Kate Forbes discusses her reasons for stepping down at the next Holyrood election, what it's like being a parent and a woman in frontline Scottish politics, and perceptions she's against certain groups with political editor Andrew Learmonth.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar opens up to The Herald editor Catherine Salmond about his relationship with Keir Starmer, fatherhood, his parents and what Donald Dewar would think of the current Scottish Parliament on day three of The Herald's special Unspun Live at the Fringe series.

On day two of The Herald Unspun Live at the Fringe, Brian Taylor interviews John Swinney. They discuss independence, Gaza, Donald Trump's visit to Scotland, caring responsibilities in public office and much more.

Day one of The Herald's Unspun Live at the Fringe kicked off with psephological analysis from the UK’s leading pollster Professor Sir John Curtice who is joined by award-winning writer and Herald columnist Kevin McKenna and political correspondent Hannah Brown. Predictions for Holyrood 2026 are made as the guests paint a picture of the current landscape of Scottish Politics.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, comedian and campaigner Susie McCabe joins The Herald’s education writer James McEnaney to reflect on a decade of the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign — and why the fight is far from over.Susie opens up about growing up under Section 28, coming out as a teenager in the 1990s, and the isolation and fear that shaped her early years. She shares how the culture of silence in schools, fuelled by government policy and societal stigma, robbed her generation of the support they needed — and how things have changed, and why they still need to change.

In a powerful and deeply personal conversation, former SNP MP Hannah Bardell joins Unspun Live to reflect on life after politics.Speaking to The Herald's Political Editor, Andrew Learmonth, Hannah talks candidly about losing her seat, the emotional toll of frontline politics, starting a new business, and navigating IVF while building a future with her wife.She shares behind-the-scenes insight into the 2024 campaign, the bittersweet experience of walking away from Westminster, and why stepping back doesn't mean stepping away forever.

Leading political comedian Matt Forde joins The Herald's political correspondent Hannah Brown to discuss the Edinburgh Fringe, Scottish political figures Joanna Cherry, John Swinney, Anas Sarwar, Ian Murray and much more more (including the occasional impersonation). Matt also speaks about how he wants to try 'Defying Calamity' in politics during his appearance at the world-renowned festival in Scotland next month.

In a week of U-turns and rebellions over Labour’s welfare reform plans, Brian Leishman MP joins Unspun Live for a blistering interview.The Alloa & Grangemouth MP tells Andrew Learmonth why he’s voting against the bill, what’s gone wrong inside the party, and how Labour risks repeating the worst mistakes of austerity.He also talks Grangemouth, wealth taxes, being “Aff the leish man”, and what Anas Sarwar needs to do to win next year's election.

Ahead of our shows at the Fringe in August, we are joined by political broadcasting guru and The Herald columnist Brian Taylor. He tells us about the skills he employs to get the most out of an interview with political figures. We also chat about those joining us during our four day appearance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Later, we discuss Scotland's Future in 25 years and are joined by founder of Scotland 2050 Barrie Cunning. Former SNP MP Stewart McDonald also hops on the podcast to tell us his thoughts on John Swinney's leadership amidst mounting tensions in the SNP.

After Scottish Conservatives pledged to renew their party at their conference over the weekend, The Herald's political correspondents Hannah Brown and Kathleen Nutt analyse whether or not this is possible and if John Swinney's expected push for independence will strengthen them as the party in opposition. Political Editor Andrew Learmonth also speaks to Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie who says his party needs to stop “self-flagellating” over past mistakes and instead focus on rebuilding trust with voters.

It was meant to be a two-horse race — or so John Swinney said. But Labour’s stunning win in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse has upended expectations and sent shockwaves through Scottish politics.In this emergency episode of Unspun Live, The Herald’s politics podcast, political editor Andrew Learmonth takes you behind the scenes at the count with colleagues Rebecca McCurdy and Kevin McKenna.Hear exclusive insights, on-the-ground reactions, and what this shock result means for the SNP, Labour — and the 2026 Holyrood election.

Nigel Farage picks a fight with The Herald and abandons us outside Hamilton's German Doner Kebab shop. We also speak to Monica Lennon about her Ecocide Bill.

The race to be Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse's next MSP is well and truly underway with the SNP, Labour and, now, Reform UK fighting for the top spot. Political correspondents Hannah Brown & Kathleen Nutt discuss the by-election after Hannah visits Hamilton town centre to gauge local feeling and speak to some of the main candidates battling it out.

What do you do when Nigel Farage accidentally steals your name? If you're Reform Scotland, you rebrand — reluctantly — as Enlighten, and try not to look back.In this episode, Andrew Learmonth speaks to Enlighten director Chris Deerin about swapping a solid, sensible think tank name for something a little more luminous — and about politics, policy, and if the Scottish Parliament is living up to its early promise.

Ahead of a vote on the general principles of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, political editor Andrew Learmonth and political correspondent Hannah Brown discuss the issue with those for and those against: Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur and Scottish Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy.

This week in Holyrood marks a year since John Swinney became First Minister. But instead of reflecting, he will deliver a Programme for Government for his next year ahead. In episode five of The Herald's Unspun Live, political correspondent Hannah Brown interviews STUC general secretary Roz Foyer on the Supreme Court and the asks of the Scottish and UK Governments. Joined by colleague Rebecca McCurdy, they take a look at the week ahead in Holyrood with in depth analysis on the First Minister's year in charge.

When Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Greene dramatically defected to the Liberal Democrats, it sent shockwaves through Holyrood. In an exclusive interview, Greene reveals to Unspun Live how the death of SNP minister Christina McKelvie – a close cross-party ally – became the emotional catalyst for his decision. He opens up about his growing disillusionment with the Conservative Party’s direction, its stance on minority rights, and why staying true to his values ultimately meant walking away.

In episode three of The Herald's Unspun Live, Thomas Kerr speaks to our political correspondent Rebecca McCurdy about Holyrood 2026, John Swinney's populist summit and Nigel Farage's upcoming trip to Scotland. Hannah Brown and Rebecca McCurdy also discuss the Supreme court ruling on the legal definition of a woman.

In episode two of The Herald's Unspun Live, Lorna Slater shares her views on entering another Bute House Agreement, party infighting and the issue of creating a gender balance in the Scottish Parliament. Political Correspondents Hannah Brown and Rebecca Mccurdy also take a look at the week ahead in Scottish politics.

In the first episode of Unspun Live, The Herald’s new Scottish politics podcast, First Minister John Swinney speaks candidly about grief, resilience and leadership.He reflects on the loss of his colleague Christina McKelvie, how stepping back helped him return as “a different character,” and whether the SNP would consider another deal with the Greens.Swinney also talks about the 2026 election, the rise of Reform UK — and why so many of his MSPs are set to leave Holyrood.