What are the differences between static and dynamic tax estimates? Dan Neidle explains, and the estimates the Scottish Government would have used when implementing the current 48% top rate of income tax…. And why losing money was always a possibility.

“An independent Scotland would have much less room for its own fiscal policy than they’d like to say” Dan Neidle explains the two reasons as to why he thinks it’s very tricky for the Scottish Government to raise income tax in its current state.

An internal party contest or a public leadership election? Calum Macdonald and Scottish Labour Councillor Francesca Brennan discuss whether the Scottish Labour Leader should take place internally, within the Scottish Labour branches, or as a public contest with public debates and forums.

“John Swinney is having difficulty from a series of policies that he did not create” Andy Maciver explains why he thinks that whilst John Swinney has the potential to be a ‘very good’ First Minister, he currently is dealing with the fallout from policies implemented by his predecessors.

"If you were to ask any rational human being... who's going to say do this" Dan Neidle explains that he was not consulted during the Scottish Government's decision to raise the top rate of income tax to 48%, a decision which has now cost the Scottish economy £22 million.

The Scottish Government has just lost £22 million. Were they foolish, gamblers, cynics or delusional when implementing a new top income tax rate of 48%? Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy Associates, explains his four theories as to what the government might have been thinking.

“I see nothing from Andy Burnham to suggest that he’s one of those people” Andy Maciver suggests that there is no one in British politics any more with ambitious long-lasting plans for the country… Including the new Prime Minister.

“It has to happen” Geoff Aberdein suggests Labour in Scotland needs to have an independent voice, separate from the UK party. Is a split inevitable?

Douglas Alexander has kept his job as Secretary of State for Scotland - Was that the right choice? Andy Maciver explains that he thinks the role will be important within the Burnham administration and why he wants to hear the Scottish Secretary set out his “foundational views”.

Why can't someone be an MSP and a UK government minister? Calum Macdonald asks this to Scottish Labour MSP Paul Sweeney, amid the news that Anas Sarwar will join Andy Burnham's team of ministers in Westminster. Should he have to give up his status as an MSP to do so?

“I’ve long supported a fundamental reset of the upper house” Paul Sweeney MSP sets out his idea of a restructured upper chamber at Westminster, suggesting that legislators should “fundamentally have a mandate that has been democratically expressed”.

“I was astonished” Paul Sweeney tells Calum Macdonald of his shock when finding out that Anas Sarwar is set to resign as leader of Scottish Labour. He reveals that he only found out about Sarwar’s upcoming departure as it was reported in the news.

"Do you think any less of Anas Sarwar for taking a seat in the House of Lords" Paul Sweeney is challenged over the Scottish Labour leader's decision to join Andy Burnham's government in London.

“Ban off the record briefings” Geoff Aberdein suggests that as the political sphere adapts to the 24-7 news cycle, that ‘off the record’ briefings should be discouraged and even banned… he points to a degree of sensationalism in reporting that didn’t exist 20 years ago.

“Politicians haven’t adapted to this” Andy Maciver suggests that politicians are yet to adapt to the idea that ordinary voters are able to access the same quality and quantity of information as them, almost immediately, with use of AI tools.

“He is a genuine devolutionist” Andy Maciver suggests what he thinks will be the most exciting opportunity Scotland will have when Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister, and how he would tell John Swinney to approach it.

“You have to create a ‘One Scotland’ mentality” Andy Maciver suggests that the SNP are hesitant to support devolution from Holyrood to the Scottish regions and that some in the party fear that decentralisation could dilute a "one Scotland" mentality.

“He risks dominating your government” Calum Macdonald and Geoff Aberdein discuss the possibility of Ed Miliband being appointed as Chancellor of the Exchequer. They ask whether such an appointment would dominate headlines and take attention away from Burnham himself.

“Look at the net ratings of some of these senior politicians” Geoff Aberdein wonders who is on track for a place round Andy Burnham’s cabinet table… and wonders whether some of the names will have negative connotations for the new Prime Minister.

🆕 EPISODE of Holyrood Sources STREAMING NOW on podcast apps and YouTube. "How John Swinney should engage with Prime Minister Burnham" Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch Listen on Podcast Apps: holyroodsources.com/listen @CalumAM | @geoffaberdein | @akmaciver

Geoff Aberdein suggests that the First Minister’s response with the UK government will have to change under Andy Burnham, who he thinks is a much better communicator than Keir Starmer. Should John Swinney adapt his approach to UK government relations?

Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP Torcuil Crichton explains how important the North Sea is to communities across Scotland and the rest of the UK. He suggests that the Burnham premiership will need to recognise that arguments surrounding the North Sea are a “question of identity”.

"This man should not be in the treasury” Would Ed Miliband make a good chancellor? Harriet Cross certainly doesn’t think so… She explains why she thinks it would be bad for the UK economy to Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Labour MP Torcuil Crichton.

“He hasn’t really ventured up into Scotland with any of that” ITV Border Political Reporter Oliver Wright breaks down the potential hurdles that Andy Burnham could face as he attempts to bring in sweeping devolution across England.

“Any party that wants to really lead political debate in Scotland has to have something meaningful and passionate to say about Scotland's identity”

“The most inconvenient thing that ever happened to Nigel Farage was being elected an MP” Torcuil Crichton pulls no punches when referring to Nigel Farage’s resignation as an MP, in order to run again. Is this a gamble gone wrong for the veteran politician?

“He knew he was in a hole and he needed a way to get out of it” Geoff Aberdein responds to Nigel Farage’s resignation as an MP on Tuesday. He suggests that whilst Farage may feel as if he has bought himself some time if reelected that the investigations into him won’t go away.

“Unionists constrain themselves when it comes to the constitution” Andy Maciver explains why he would like to see a new party that doesn’t focus on the constitution and prioritises the day-to-day running of the country.

Why aren’t we talking about SNP voters shifting to Reform? Andy Maciver sums-up why it wasn’t a completely illogical choice to go from voting SNP in 2021 to Reform in 2026, and wonders why more people aren’t talking about it.

Does Scotland need fiscal autonomy? Andy Maciver explains why he thinks the country would benefit and why the public should support it, no matter their thoughts on the constitution.