Host: Bernard Ponsonby

Guests: Mark Diffley from the Diffley Partnership, Reform UK's Thomas Kerr, Scottish Labour MSP Pauline McNeill and Stewart McDonald Former SNP MP for Glasgow South.

In the first episode of the Go Radio Politics Show, Bernard Ponsonby dives into the political shockwaves from the Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse by-election.

Labour's unexpected win, the SNP's dramatic vote drop, and Reform UK's meteoric rise to 26.1% are dissected with expert guests. The panel explores implications for the 2026 Holyrood elections, the future of public services, and the constitutional debate around Scottish independence. Reform UK's policy positions and funding challenges are scrutinised, and the episode closes with a light-hearted take on the Trump-Musk fallout.

[00:03:00]

Mark Diffley Analyses the Numbers

SNP vote drops 17%, Labour wins despite 2% fall

Reform UK's 26.1% vote share shocks analysts

[00:07:41]

Reform UK’s Rise: What It Means

Reform UK poised to gain 10–17 MSPs in 2026

Proportional representation impact at Holyrood

[00:10:10]

Thomas Kerr (Reform UK)

Reform’s plans to contest all 73 constituencies

Membership surge post-by-election

Policy gaps and manifesto development

[00:12:40]

Funding Formula Debate

Barnett Formula under scrutiny

Reform UK’s stance: review and potential overhaul

[00:18:25]

Public Sector Pensions Controversy

Reform’s proposal to shift from final salary to contribution-based pensions

Potential impact on teachers, police, and NHS workers

[00:25:13]

SNP’s Internal Challenges & Ground Game

Stewart McDonald on SNP’s need for modernisation

Policy delivery and digital campaigning gaps

[00:28:20]

Labour’s Campaign Success

Pauline McNeill on Labour’s grassroots strategy

Candidate familiarity and local engagement

[00:38:44]

NHS & Public Services in 2026

Labour and SNP strategies for healthcare reform

Voter expectations on GP access, A&E, and surgeries

[00:43:52]

Independence Referendum Debate

Is the constitutional question “dead”?

Grounds for a second referendum

SNP’s manifesto strategy for independence

[00:52:21]

Chancellor’s Spending Review Preview

Expectations from Rachel Reeves’ statement

Winter fuel allowance, NHS funding, and defence budget

[00:55:35]

Trump, Musk & the Super-Rich in Politics

Final thoughts on billionaires in politics

Scottish by-election 2025, Reform UK Scotland 2026, SNP vs Labour Scotland, Barnett Formula review, Scottish independence referendum 2026, NHS Scotland crisis, Rachel Reeves spending review, Thomas Kerr Reform UK, Pauline McNeill Labour MSP, Stewart McDonald SNP strategy