In the first podcast of 2023 we look at the crisis in the NHS, Sunak and Starmer's new year statements, the revelations about MPs outside funding, the monarchy and Tory trade union legislation.
Show Notes
Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer both set out their stalls for 2023 with keynote speeches and in major television interviews.
We examine these and question whether Labour, still so far ahead in the polls, is playing a Tory light card with its embrace of "Take Back Control".
The NHS in England is under pressure according to Sunak but is in a crisis in Scotland caused by SNP incompetence claims Tory MSP Sandesh Gulhane. He wasn't so eloquent when pushed on Conservative competence down south.
We also question how safe the Health and Social Care system is in the hands of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt who called for its "denationalisation" in 2005 and presided over its increasing privatisation as Health Secretary.
Hats off to Sky's Sam Coates and Tortoise Media for shining the light onto MPs' outside earnings, donations, and gifts. Theresa May getting big bucks for speeches?
There's been no escape from the publication of Prince Harry's tell all book "Spare" and we are no exception, but with our own take on the monarchy beyond the soap opera.
Meanwhile back at Westminster the Minimum Service Levels Bill seems set to become law placing draconian restrictions on the right to strike in the public sector.
Lesley also pays tribute to Aonghas MacNeacail, and Derek Bateman.
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What is The Lesley Riddoch Podcast?
Scottish politics dissected from a left, pro-independence stance. Each week, award-winning broadcaster and journalist, Lesley Riddoch chews over the week’s news with co-host Fraser Thompson. If you like intelligent, quirky chat about Scottish society and culture, and Scottish, UK and international politics analysed from a Scottish perspective; this podcast is for you.