The Lesley Riddoch Podcast

The King's Speech. The first opportunity to test the reality of Labour's "Change" mantra. We examine what was in it and more importantly what wasn't.
The "nationalisation" of rail was much trumpeted in particular but what's the reality of the claim? How symbolic of Labour's "Don't frighten the horses" approach to government is this policy?
How will the SNP respond to the apparent vigour of the new Labour government? Will it hunker down and take refuge in old centralised certainties or open itself up to new ideas and ways of working?
If we see ourselves as being ignored in Scotland think how it feels in Wales where the resignation of First Minister Vaughan Gethings was ousted from front website news on BBC Wales by Gareth Southgate's resignation as England football manager.
We don't fall into that trap but don't just look at Gething's downfall but what it might mean for Welsh Labour and lessons for the SNP.
In the flurry of news and opinion on the attempted assassination of Donald Trump many seem to have missed the selection of JD Vance as his running mate. Vance at 39 is part of a new generation of isolationist nationalist Republicans and his appointment as Trump's putative Vice President and the baleful influence of the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 should sound a warning to all who fear for US democracy.
There's also a bit of fitba chat but honestly it all, well almost all, of it has some political relevance.
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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 former media lecturer and Dundee United fan, Pat Joyce. 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.