The Holyrood Sources podcast analyses Scottish politics through the experiences of those who have lived and breathed it as Special Advisers to the Scottish Government, SNP and opposition parties. Join hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Chief of Staff to the First Minister, 2007-2014) and Andy Maciver (Former Head of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives) as they take you inside Scottish politics. Their insight is second to none - they've been there, lived it, and maintain remarkable connections to Scotland's politicians and the world of Scottish politics.
Join our mailing list and check out our latest live events: click holyroodsources.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Holyrood Sources podcast analyses Scottish politics through the experiences of those who have lived and breathed it as Special Advisers to the Scottish Government, SNP and opposition parties. Join hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Chief of Staff to the First Minister, 2007-2014) and Andy Maciver (Former Head of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives) as they take you inside Scottish politics. Their insight is second to none - they've been there, lived it, and maintain remarkable connections to Scotland's politicians and the world of Scottish politics.
Join our mailing list and check out our latest live events: click holyroodsources.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Former Conservative Minister Malcolm Offord has defected from the Scottish Conservatives to Reform UK — and he joins Calum, Geoff and Andy for an in depth reaction.
In this flash episode, Offord details why he left the Conservative Party, why he believes Reform UK offers a “centre-right alternative” in Scotland, and how energy policy, the economy, welfare, and Scotland’s political direction shaped his decision.
The conversation covers:
• Why Offord says the Scottish Conservatives “gave up”
• His critique of UK energy policy and the 30-year failure of wind subsidies
• Whether Reform UK is actually “far-right”
• Nigel Farage, Scottish identity & the question of English nationalism
• What Reform UK would do on immigration, welfare & work
• Geoff and Andy challenge Offord on Richard Tice’s letter to energy companies
• Could Reform UK hurt Scotland’s renewables industry?
• Would Offord debate Swinney, Sarwar, Findlay in 2026?
• Could Reform UK do a deal with the Conservatives?
• Is this the beginning of a major shift in Scottish centre-right politics?
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.