The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson

Labour’s satanic panic in Glenrothes

We discuss our exclusive report on Labour’s Glenrothes candidate who has been ditched by party bosses over his “sexy” and “satanic” fiction output.
Altany Craik is already a long-serving Fife councillor, but it seems he is no longer considered eligible for Westminster.
We dig into the bigger picture - including Irvine Welsh’s withering reaction.
The team also gets to grip with council budgets and the financial trauma coming their way.
We hear from UK minister John Glen on new jobs for Aberdeen.
And we look at the SNP getting in a twist about Greens standing where Conservatives hope to win.

Stephen Flynn interview on his first year as SNP Westminster leader

SNP Westminster boss Stephen Flynn joins The Stooshie for a featured interview on his rollercoaster first year in the job.
The Aberdeen South politician reflects on everything from replacing Ian Blackford in the post to being named the UK’s ‘hardest’ MP.
He responds to the polls, to SNP splits and scandals, and speculates on his next move.
Could he end up in Holyrood one day? Maybe with an eye on the leader job there?
Listen to the full interview on The Stooshie today.

Time for Suzanne’s Law

We speak about the P&J’s new true crime podcast and how Arlene Fraser’s murder 25 years ago, and the murder of Suzanne Pilley, could lead to a change in the law.
Our team discusses Humza Yousaf’s trip to COP28 climate conference in Dubai, days after shock for Grangemouth workers here.
And we hear from people in Dundee about the proposed national crackdown on pavement parking.

Labour in a tangle over Gaza ceasefire call

As fighting in Gaza is temporarily halted, disputes within the Labour Party over whether to call for a permanent ceasefire show no sign of slowing down.
With First Minister Humza Yousaf's family now safely back in Scotland and sharing details of their ordeal, we look at how the conflict is shaping politics closer to home.
Sir Keir Starmer's refusal to call for a full ceasefire has seen councillors and even his own frontbenchers resign.
Along with growing pressure from MPs and campaigners, Starmer faced tough conversations when he finally visited Aberdeen to discuss oil and gas.
Our panel discusses whether the Labour leader could have better handled both of those situations. Plus, we speak to rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon about the SNP's latest independence paper and whether a breakaway Scotland could have a big say over EU marine policy.

Tories reshuffle back in time

David Cameron is back in government. The SNP are calling for independence in Europe.
We look at the odd new political landscape, which looks eerily like it did in 2014.
Our featured interview is with Kemnay mum Tracey Gibbon, who tells us about her son Kyle’s ordeal in Carstairs, the secure Scottish state hospital.
She was at the Scottish Parliament where her case was put to the first minister.
We also speak to Kyle’s local MSP, Alexander Burnett, what the government should be doing.
The team also assesses the reaction to community appeals for help after storm damage and flooding. Where’s all the money?

SNP challenger Stephen Gethins on ”unfinished business”

Ex MP Stephen Gethins famously got into parliament by a two-vote margin in 2017.
He’s been out since 2019 but wants back at the next election.
We discuss why anyone would want to do that, the unfinished business at Westminster, independence and Humza Yousaf’s first year.
The DC Thomson politics team also discuss Rishi Sunak’s oil and gas plans.
And we hear from north-east communities on their view of Scotland’s energy future.

Alex Salmond and Ash Regan on Alba’s future

Former first minister Alex Salmond joins us for a featured interview with Derek Healey on his political plans. The ex leader discusses frustration with SNP policy and the route to a referendum.
He also describes his hopes for a meeting with Humza Yousaf.
Defector Ash Regan joins Andy Philip to discuss her reasons for quitting the SNP and signing up for Mr Salmond’s party.

After the storm

Storm Babet caused fatal devastation in parts of eastern Scotland, and there’s likely more extreme weather to come.
Are our emergency services funded well enough to cope?
We speak to Aberdeen fire fighter Simon Leroux from the Fire Brigades Union who raises alarm about the strain on a vital service.
We also hear from Dr Sarah Halliday, from Dundee University, about the wider climate change context and the ‘urban creep’ increasing flood risk in rural Scotland.
And we discuss what the destruction was like from reporter on the ground Lindsey Hamilton, the likely massive cost for residents and First Minister Humza Yousaf’s response.

SNP Conference Special

Nicola Sturgeon’s former chief of staff, Liz Lloyd, and ex Scottish Labour communications director Alan Roden join our team to discuss the SNP’s fortunes as Humza Yousaf attends the party conference in Aberdeen.

MP Pete Wishart on independence, Alba and a Rutherglen ’gubbing’

Pete Wishart MP joins us for a look ahead to the conference in Aberdeen where he hopes to shape the SNP’s independence strategy.
He shares his views on next steps, the mood of the party, working with Alba and how to get over the Labour defeat in the Rutherglen byelection.
Our panel looks at what’s coming up for Humza Yousaf when he addresses activists in Aberdeen.
And we reflect on Labour’s recent conference in Liverpool.