FM Election and what next?

From the incoming First Minister to an impending vote on a Section 30 order and a row brewing over William Wallace's safe conduct letter.

We discuss the ongoing First Minister elections, with John Swinney set to be confirmed. We look at the parliamentary process, the inevitable outcome and why other party leaders put their names forward despite the forgone conclusion.

• Time for Scotland: John Swinney has promised a debate to ask for a Section 30 order on his first day of business. We put out a call as the Time for Scotland posse to all independence supporters to head to Holyrood with saltires next Tuesday evening to ensure the movement remains visible to broadcasters.
• New Cabinet: We chew over the runners and riders for the new cabinet, which John Swinney has promised will be gender-equal. Could Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins be stepping into key ministerial roles within the Scottish Government?
• Wallace's Letter: We share an exclusive tip-off from a respected Scottish historian regarding a rare safe conduct letter belonging to William Wallace. Currently on loan to Edinburgh from the National Archives at Kew, they now want it returned. 
• Holyrood's New Presiding Officer: A look at the unexpected selection of Kenny Gibson as the new Presiding Officer, beating the supposed Scottish Government preferred candidate, Clare Haughey. Could his track record of not pulling punches liven up dull parliamentary debates?
• Andy Burnham and Devolution: We look South to the upcoming by-elections and Andy Burnham’s push to devolve power out of London. We unpack why his proposed model of directly elected mayors grafted onto collections of councils falls short of genuine democratic devolution.
• The Highland Clearances: Lesley discusses her recent interview with eminent historian Jim Hunter for an upcoming film about Strathnaver, bringing the harrowing history of the Clearances and figures like Patrick Sellar into sharp focus.

Links
The rose of all the world is not for me.

I want for my part

Only the little white rose of Scotland

That smells sharp and sweet—and breaks the heart.
Hugh MacDiarmid

Professor James Hunter on life in Rosal pre-clearance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07ShY03cc_g

Who is josh simons? Hisgreatest hits include spying on journalists and saying that people smugglers should be exiled to Scotland, had a majority of 5399 at the last General Election. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/14/who-is-josh-simons-labour-mp-andy-burnham

★ Support this podcast ★