Winners and Loosers

Winners and Loosers

From The Lesley Riddoch Podcast by Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson

May 12, 2026 · 1h 30m · Episode 928

About this episode

Lesley and Fraser analyze the political landscape following recent elections, focusing on communication and grassroots movements.

In this week's bumper post-election edition—recorded at a frantic 2:06 PM on Tuesday as Jess Phillips resigns and the Westminster cabinet jitters intensify—Lesley and Fraser dissect a week of "wooden" communication and grassroots resilience. From Keir Starmer’s Scunthorpe gamble to the Saltires fluttering in the background of the BBC’s Holyrood studio and the singing Welsh. We discuss some of the comings and at time of recording not yet goings at Westminster as Keir Starmer looks increasingly shoogly in Number Ten. Before turning to look at all the post election news from Scotland – muse on the outcome and commiserate on the lack of cut through for smaller indy parties. Links Andrew Tickell on Anas Sarwar https://www.thenational.scot/politics/26092818.anas-sarwar-came-saw-lost-still-dont-learn/ Psalm of the People - https://www.sailmnandaoine.co.uk/ Rob MacNeacail embarks on a road trip across Scotland and Ireland to explore the tradition of Gaelic psalm singing. An entertaining and heart-warming film about the power of community, family and the resilience needed to keep a language alive. Songs to learn 1. Freedom Come all Ye - Hamish Henderson Lyrics…

People in this episode

Hosts: Lesley Riddoch, Fraser Thompson

Topics covered

  • post-election analysis
  • Westminster politics
  • Scottish independence
  • grassroots resilience
  • communication strategies

Keywords

  • post-election
  • Westminster
  • Keir Starmer
  • Scottish independence
  • grassroots

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC

Books & works: Freedom Come all Ye, Cap in hand, Mountain Thyme

Places: Scotland, Westminster, Holyrood, Scunthorpe

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