The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson

NHS Tayside cancer scandal special

In this special edition of The Stooshie, we discuss the headlines from our exclusive NHS Tayside breast cancer investigation.
Our separate feature-length video documentary on the scandal, published on The Courier website, explores the lack of evidence around government claims women were put at increased risk of their cancer returning. We hear from patients and senior health professionals.
And we reveal how officials missed repeated warnings that botched reports risked collapsing a once highly-respected breast cancer department.
On The Stooshie, Andy Philip chats to Courier political editor Derek Healey to get the inside story, the growing calls for an inquiry and what it means for the SNP Government.

Independence referendum interview special

The Supreme Court has spoken on IndyRef2, so what happens next?
We speak to former Yes strategist and ex Alex Salmond adviser Stephen Noon, who thinks a longer wait might be useful for the SNP. 
We also caught up with campaigners outside Holyrood where demonstrators heard from Nicola Sturgeon.They had mixed opinions on whether the SNP leader can achieve their goal. 
Subscribe to the Courier or Press and Journal today to stay up to date on Local and Scottish news. Go to www.thecourier.co.uk/subscribe/ or www.pressandjournal.co.uk/subscribe/ to get unlimited access to the news that matters to you.

Eljamel campaigners

Campaigner Jules Rose tells us how she won't stop pushing the government for an inquiry into the actions of disgraced Dundee surgeon Sam Eljamel.
In stark terms, she tells how the doctor removed her tear gland instead of a brain tumour.
She likens her determination to that of the Hillsborough campaigners who refused to take no for an answer.
We also discuss Jeremy Hunt's budget implications for ordinary households and look at the other top stories beyond the political bubble.

Week 45: Stooshie - Climate change

We speak to Dundee university scientist Dr Simon Cook @glacio_cook on the missed chances and any elusive gains as Nicola Sturgeon returns from COP27.
Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton delivers a 'fake news' warning about recycled green energy claims.
Our team of political reporters discuss the top stories including our alarming reports on the long-running historical child abuse inquiry and the struggle to house refugees.

Week 44: Stooshie - energy, skills and jobs special

We speak to former Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard on the struggle to go green in industry.
We catch up on the skills summit in Aberdeen and the wider push to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Rishi Sunak has U-turned again and will go to the climate conference in Egypt, along with Nicola Sturgeon.
Meanwhile, we look at the fall-out from the Halloween night of horror in Dundee's Kirkton area.
And we analyse the latest budget blackholes after John Swinney's review.

Week 43: Play along with our ’Quiz Truss’ game as we assess the change at the top

We’re on our third prime minister since summer and there wasn’t even a contest this time.
We assess what’s in store now Rishi Sunak is in charge.
Join in as we deal with Liz Truss’s legacy in a mini pub quiz.
And we dig into the big stories covered by DC Thomson’s politics reporters this week.

Week 42: A bonus episode on how political events impact the cost of the living

Political reporter Rachel Amery introduces this bonus episode of the Stooshie. Our investigations editor Calum Ross recorded an interview with the director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, Mairi Spowage, before Liz Truss’s resignation.
They discussed the current political climate in Scotland and the impact political events are having on the cost of living crisis.

Stooshie Special: Liz Truss resigns

It’s emergency stations for The Stooshie as Liz Truss resigns.
We are joined by Courier columnist and director of the John Smith Centre for Public Service Kezia Dugdale to discuss where it all went wrong for the shortest-serving prime minister in history.
Those who fancy themselves as next in line to the keys of 10 Downing Street are already putting their names forward.
But could there be a general election looming? And what could that mean for the political landscape in Scotland?

Week 41: Green conference special

The Scottish Greens are heading to Dundee for their first party conference since reaching a power sharing agreement with the SNP.  
We spoke to North East MSP Maggie Chapman about the party’s successes and challenges since entering government.  
A plot by frustrated members to split the leadership from their ministerial roles has been delayed... for now.  
And we run the rule over another week of turmoil for the Conservatives that saw Kwasi Kwarteng sacked after just 38 days in the job.  
Subscribe to the Courier or Press and Journal today to stay up to date on Local and Scottish news. Go to www.thecourier.co.uk/subscribe/ or www.pressandjournal.co.uk/subscribe/ to get unlimited access to the news that matters to you.

Week 40: SNP conference special

Nicola Sturgeon will be in Aberdeen for the SNP’s three-day conference, the first in-person gathering for the party since the pandemic.
We spoke with John Swinney, the deputy first minister, on what to expect.
The SNP agenda gets scrutinised in our wrap up of the highlights.
And we look back at the turmoil of the Conservative conference, which closed with shock polls and infighting.