{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Lesley Riddoch Podcast","title":"Waiting for nothing","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3794,"description":" Waiting for Nothing: Clacton Crack-Ups, UDI Polls, and Energy Disparities\nIn this week’s episode of the Lesley Riddoch Podcast, Lesley and Fraser navigate the summer \"silly season\" and the agonising political waiting game. From Count Binface’s impressive showing against Nigel Farage in Clacton to the glaring lack of a cohesive independence strategy from the SNP, the pair chew over the week's frustrations and bizarre news cycles. Plus, a deep dive into the media's framing of Glasgow as a \"no-go zone\", and a surprising U-turn on North Sea oil from Ecotricity founder Dale Vince. Oh, and make sure you get out and pick your brambles before the rain ruins them! \nIn this episode, we discuss:\nFarage's Bung & Clacton Fallout: Nigel Farage secured 63% of the vote in Clacton, but Count Binface recorded a personal best with 27% of the valid vote, saving his deposit for the first time. With the investigation into Farage's £5 million \"bung\" now unsuspended, Lesley and Fraser debate whether a potential 10-day suspension could trigger a genuine recall petition, or if voters will think enough is enough.\nReform's Welfare Plans & BBC Bias: Reform UK has proposed cutting £50 billion from the benefits bill by targeting foreign nationals and scrapping the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The pair highlight heavy criticism from former BBC News Director Richard Sambrook, who called the BBC's headline coverage of these completely uncredible fringe policies \"frankly bizarre\".\nDefending Glasgow: Thomas Kerr and the BBC have recently framed Glasgow, specifically around St. Enoch Square, as a \"no-go zone\" while citing crime statistics that were inflated by 70%. Lesley and Fraser push back hard on this narrative, citing journalists who feel far safer in Glasgow than most European cities, and discussing the historical context of urban planning and community hang-around culture in the city.\nScottish Labour's Leadership Squeeze: Monica Lennon failed to secure enough nominations to make the...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/TKOlqg4xKOK2bn8lxAR0BKU_Ic-p9GXvCAC9p0Malv4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iNjdl/Y2Y2MTczOWY1OTYw/NTEzNGY3MTY2Yzgw/ODAwYy5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}