The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson

10 years waiting for surgery; interview on NHS pressure and analysis on latest polls

Why are women waiting years for the surgery they need?
Labour MSP Michael Marra (@michaeljmarra) joins us to talk about intolerable NHS pressure.
We assess the latest polls for Scotland’s political parties eyeing the general election.

Coronation interview special: Kings, queens...and Eurovision

Republican-turned-monarchist Adam Tomkins on why the royal ‘circus’ is here to stay.
Is the weekend celebration any different to Eurovision, really?
Greens MSP Maggie Chapman on the case for a republic.
The DC Thomson politics team also look at Humza Yousaf’s anti-poverty mission.
And we look at the SNP rebellion on proposals to ban fishing.
 

Douglas Ross interview special

The Scottish Conservative leader answers questions on a tough year for his party.
Mr Ross, MP for Moray, also discusses Brexit, independence, support for devolution and whether the Tories can hold onto support.
He takes aim at the SNP and Greens, while attacking Labour for trying to work with nationalists to block Conservatives.
He was speaking as Tory supporters meet in Glasgow for their spring conference.

Will fishing ban save seas or ruin communities?

We focus on the impact of one SNP policy as Humza Yousaf tries to reset the government.
Tiree business owner Rhoda Meek gives a local view on Highly protected Marine Areas.
We look at the latest polling for the SNP and opposition.
The team discusses cracks in the SNP-Green coalition.
And we look at devolution under attack.

SNP leadership contest quiz

Were you paying attention during the SNP leadership contest? Play along with our quiz in this week's Stooshie.
Also, we discuss who's in and who's out of Humza Yousaf's new-look government.
We look at the big names with even bigger jobs ahead. And we discuss the future of oil and energy policy after protestors brought Holyrood to a halt.

SNP leader election special: Humza Yousaf wins - what now?

Humza Yousaf has been elected SNP leader. As he prepares to take over from Nicola Sturgeon as first minister, we look at the challenges ahead.
Join The Courier and Press & Journal's team of political journalists as we assess the result, the implications for the independence campaign and what comes next.

Former SNP aide on ’cautious’ Nicola Sturgeon, Green problems and how to bring the party together again

We speak to Fergus Mutch, former aide to Alex Salmond and SNP spin chief under Nicola Sturgeon.
He tells us about a likely re-think on the Greens' role in government, how Nicola Sturgeon's 'cautious' approach meant chances were missed and how the next leader needs to bring the party together.
We get a SNP leader on Monday. Who's it going to be?

Budgets, Brexit, blunders and ballots

The SNP finally told us what we already knew about the size of its membership.
We look at the latest in the leadership campaign, including a toe-curling gaffe.
The budget means good times for the better off. Is there at least a cheaper pint in it for everyone else? Maybe not.
And we look at a Ukrainian family's decision to beat NHS queues by going back to Kyiv for dental work.

Kate Forbes on faith and the tough decisions ahead

The Highlander was early favourite for the first minister's job.
But an early row on faith in politics appeared to knock her off course.
She speaks to Andy Philip about the "stunning" backlash, her family, Nicola Sturgeon and plans for her first 100 days in charge. 

Humza Yousaf on family, racism and the NHS

Humza Yousaf knows he's got a tough record to defend.
But he's determined to prove he can do well in the top job.
And he has plenty to say about his background, his experience of racism and his hope for independence in just five years.
Courier political editor Derek Healey interviews the health secretary.