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Finger pointing begins as Labour claim they found a "black hole" in public finances. On Monday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced changes to the Winter Fuel Payment and later said the new government would have to raise taxes due to the discovery of a £22bn "black hole" in the public finances from the last Government, which former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt strongly denies. Is this political theatre or was it a genuine surprise to the incoming government and related public finance bodies like the OBR? Is this austerity, as some opposition parties have claimed, or are the government actually spending more than previously? And what does this mean for the money coming to Scotland? Before Podlitical breaks for recess, the team untangle this week's news, and look ahead to what we can expect in September and beyond when the Parliaments return.

The Podlitical team talk GB Energy, the two-child cap, PMQs, and pies. Following the suspensions of seven rebel Labour MPs for voting against the government on an SNP amendment to scrap the two-child benefit cap, the team discuss how the row unfolded, and what this means in terms of the optics that Prime Minister Starmer wants to project. As the new Prime Minister faced his first PMQs, with former PM Sunak as opposition leader, what was the mood like in the Commons, and what does it tell us about things to come? Also, do we have any clearer idea of who might be the next UK and Scottish Tory leaders, and could the SNP technically annex the moon right now?

What do the manifestos say about the Scottish Independence, Brexit, immigration and more? The team deep dives into the party manifesto offers on statehood, foreign policy, immigration, military support and more for the 2024 general election, comparing and contrasting pledges, and what they might mean for Scotland.

Part of a series looking at the 2024 party manifestos. For more coverage on more manifesto topics, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or visit the BBC News website.

Do coalition governments work for the parties involved, and do they benefit the voters? As talk of potential future coalitions with Labour continue in Westminster after their local election gains, Lucy is joined by political editor Glenn Campbell and political correspondent Kirsten Campbell to look at Scottish and Westminster coalitions and power sharing agreements. Have coalitions, both past and present, typically helped or hindered the parties involved? What does it mean for voters when the policies they may have voted for are used as tools of compromise?

Ahead of the Coronation of Charles III, the team looks at UK attitudes to the monarchy. Lucy and Phil are joined by Professor Ailsa Henderson of the University of Edinburgh, to look at how Scotland and the wider UK feel about King Charles and the monarchy. How do people's views vary by area, party, and constitutional belief, and how have opinions changed since the death of Queen Elizabeth?

First Minister Humza Yousaf meets Prime Minister Rishi Sunak amidst continued SNP turmoil. The team discuss the talks between the new First Minister and the Prime Minister, including the cost of living crisis and devolution. The difficult start to Yousaf's premiership looks set to continue, with former FM Nicola Sturgeon saying the SNP crisis is her 'worst nightmare'. This week saw former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford clash with the current Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, who revealed the party were still seeking an auditor to process the SNP's accounts, and acknowledged it could miss out on £1.2m in public funds if the deadline is missed. As Rishi Sunak now travels to Scotland for the Scottish Conservative conference this coming weekend, the team also discuss what we might hear from the PM and Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross.

The team catch up post-recess, following the arrests of Peter Murrell and Colin Beattie. Both the former SNP chief executive Murrell and the now former treasurer Beattie were released without charge, in an ongoing investigation into the SNP's finances, which Police Scotland launched in July 2021 under "Operation Branchform" after receiving complaints about how donations were used by the party. Meanwhile in Westminster, a report on allegations of bullying by Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab has been received by PM Rishi Sunak. Raab denies the allegations, and has said he would resign if they are upheld.

The team discuss Humza Yousaf's first days as SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland. After being elected First Minister in Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, Yousaf has revealed his cabinet, and tackled a tricky FMQs disrupted by climate protesters. What do his picks for cabinet tell us about his plans for Scotland, how did he perform in his first days in the top job in Scottish politics, and why might the potential Commons suspension of former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier lead to his first electoral test?

Humza Yousaf wins the SNP leadership contest, so what next for the party? The team react to the result of the SNP leadership contest, which saw Health Secretary Humza Yousaf beat out Kate Forbes in the second round of voting, after Ash Regan was eliminated in the first round, pipping her to the post with 52.1% of the votes versus Forbes' 47.9%. As the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens looks to continue, it seems Yousaf's path to First Minister is clear, but with the vote so close, can he now heal a divided party? The team look ahead to the next steps Yousaf may take, how his cabinet may shape up, and what his victory means for the SNP and Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon faces a fiery final FMQs, and Boris Johnson is grilled by MPs. The team discuss the final FMQs for the First Minister, the 'robust' questioning she faced by opposition parties, and her last statement to Scottish Parliament as First Minister. In Westminster, Boris Johnson faced some robust questioning too, as MPs on the Commons privileges committee hear evidence to decide if the former Prime Minister did deliberately mislead Parliament over the Partygate scandal. What does this week tell us about political legacy, and how it can be built or broken?

SNP media chief Murray Foote and chief executive Peter Murrell resign over membership row. The team react to the news that happened over the weekend, and explore how a row over membership figures snowballed into these two major resignations for the party. What does it mean for the three candidates vying to be the next leader of the SNP, and for the party itself?

The SNP has a row over membership and Chancellor Hunt presents his Budget. After initially refusing to release figures, the SNP has confirmed its membership has fallen to just over 72,000. The team discuss why the row over membership transparency started and what impact it might have on the party going forward during the leadership campaigns to be the next First Minister. In Westminster, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt presents his Budget, and confirms the UK will avoid a technical recession despite the economy shrinking. What do the announcements mean for Scotland?

The team discuss the SNP leadership debate and PM Sunak's small boats bill. During the televised SNP debate on Tuesday, the barbs became personal between the three candidates vying to be the next First Minister, as Kate Forbes launched an attack on Humza Yousaf's record in government, while the health secretary returned pointed comments about protecting equal rights, and Ash Regan wrote off her colleagues as "wishy washy" on independence. The team talk about the pitfalls of personal attacks, and why it might make governing more difficult for whoever the winner is. In Westminster, the Prime Minister and opposition leader Keir Starmer trade blows over the Conservative's new migrant plans, where anyone entering the UK illegally would be removed within 28 days and blocked from returning.

What do the manifestos say about the NHS, social care, and health? The team deep dives into the party manifesto offers on public health and care for the 2024 general election, comparing and contrasting pledges, and what they might mean for Scotland.

Part of a series looking at the 2024 party manifestos. For more coverage on more manifesto topics, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or visit the BBC News website.

What's the shape of the SNP leadership race after the first hustings in Cumbernauld? The team talk about the first of the SNP leadership debates, what we learnt about the candidates' pitches to be the next First Minister of Scotland, and the row over media access. The Deposit Return Scheme is also causing headaches for the current First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and the minister responsible Lorna Slater, with many producers yet to sign up to the controversial recycling scheme despite the original deadline passing this week. Meanwhile in Westminster, Prime Minister Sunak announces a Northern Ireland Brexit deal has been reached with the EU, but what reaction will the so-called Windsor Agreement get from his party and the opposition? The team also discuss the correct nomenclature for soft drinks.

Who are the candidates who hope to be the next SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland? The team discuss the leadership bids of Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf, and Ash Regan, and what we know so far about their vision for the future of Scotland, whether it's on independence, the NHS, or social issues such as trans rights. The first week since Nicola Sturgeon announced her resignation has seen Forbes criticised for her comments on the Gender Recognition Reform bill and marriage equality, and Yousaf come under fire in FMQs for his performance as Health Secretary. Is this a sign of things to come for the next few weeks of campaigning?

Nicola Sturgeon has announced she is standing down after eight years as First Minister. The team react to the bombshell news which has sent shockwaves across Scottish politics. As the First Minister says she will stay on until a successor is chosen, she claims that the time is right for her to leave the top of Scottish politics. The team discuss why she's chosen to go now, what happens next, what it means for the independence movement, and who the potential candidates to her replace her might be, as well as reaction from opposition parties.

Does the narrative of leaders in Holyrood and Westminster under pressure match reality? This week, Phil Sim hosts Podlitical and gets down to brass tacks with the team to ask, despite pressures faced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, if their positions really are under threat? The team discuss the big issues in UK politics this week, from council budgets and cabinet reshuffles, to the continuing trans prisoners row in Scottish Parliament and the pitfalls of polling.

Tensions between the Scottish Government and councils continue as the budget is debated. The Scottish government says it has given councils an extra £570m for local services in its December budget, but local authorities are concerned that economic pressures will hit vital services like social care and education, and ring-fenced funds may lead to cuts in areas such as bin collections. Economist David Phillips, Associate Director of The Institute for Fiscal Studies, joins the team to explain some of the challenges facing the Scottish government and local authorities, what might be done to alleviate those pressures, and the economic outlook for Scotland and the UK going forward.

From a trans prisoner row to tax troubles, it's been another busy week in politics. In Holyrood, just as the dust settles from the hotly debated Gender Recognition Reform bill, a new row over a transgender rapist has broken out, and tensions grow between the Scottish Government and councils over funding for teachers. Meanwhile in Westminster, legacy crises from the Boris Johnson era put pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as his cabinet meet in Chequers, with Conservative party chairman Nadhim Zahawi facing calls to resign over a tax penalty he received when Chancellor, and the ghost of Partygate threatens to re-appear.

Podlitical takes an in-depth look at the impact of delays in the Scottish Courts. A huge backlog of cases has left some of the most vulnerable women in Scotland waiting to have domestic and sexual abuse cases heard. We hear directly from those affected, those working on the frontline of the problem and we consider some of the solutions. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast you can visit www.bbc.co.uk/actionline

What is a Section 35 order, and why has it sparked a row about devolution and democracy? The UK Government has triggered Section 35 of The Scotland Act to formally block the Scottish Government's Gender Recognition Reform legislation from reaching royal assent. As First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says the row will "inevitably" end up in court, Professor Nicola McEwen from the Centre on Constitutional Change joins the team to discuss the ramifications of this action on the constitutional debate. Why is the veto of Scottish laws by the UK Government so controversial, why are some worried about the future of Westminster powers over Scottish legislation, and what happens next?

An NHS in crisis and ongoing strikes spell trouble for the Scottish and UK Governments. The team discuss why the political temperature is still high heading into 2023 after the parliamentary recesses, and why it's not looking like it will calm down any time soon. As Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon are set to meet in Scotland with the backdrop of strikes, NHS pressures, and the cost of living crisis, what does the year ahead hold for politics in the UK?

After several days of intense debate, the Gender Recognition Reform bill passes. From the early mornings to the late nights, the team discuss this week in Scottish Parliament, as MSPs debated and voted on amendments to the Gender Recognition Reform Bill into the early hours, enabling the Scottish Government to get the legislation passed before the Christmas recess. As this week saw protests outside Holyrood, the team asks why has the bill been so controversial in Scotland, what have been the big flashpoints, and what might come next now it has passed?

What do the manifestos say about tax, spending, and the pound in your pocket? The team deep dives into the party manifesto offers on money and the economy for the 2024 general election, comparing and contrasting pledges, and what they might mean for Scotland.

Part of a series looking at the 2024 party manifestos. For more coverage on more manifesto topics, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or visit the BBC News website.

What does the Scottish Government's budget mean for taxes, welfare, and independence? The team are joined by Emma Congreve from the Fraser of Allander Institute of the University of Strathclyde to take a deep dive into acting finance secretary John Swinney's budget. As tax divergence grows between Scotland and the rest of the UK, has this so-called 'left leaning' budget served to further highlight the differences between the Scottish and the Westminster Government, and what has been the political reaction?

Internal tensions continue as Stephen Flynn takes over as SNP Westminster group leader, with senior figure Pete Wishart resigning from the front bench, saying he was "bemused" as to why Flynn had sought to replace Ian Blackford in the role. Ex-PM Gordon Brown also revealed a package of proposed political reforms, claiming the Labour plan would make the UK work for Scotland, but the SNP described the measures as "underwhelming". Political science Professor Ailsa Henderson of the University of Edinburgh joins the team to discuss the latest polling on independence after the Supreme Court verdict, as well as the reaction to the Brown report.

Ian Blackford has announced he will stand down as leader of the SNP Westminster group, but why now, and what does this tell us about divisions within the SNP? The team discuss the news, who might take over, as well as the thorny issues in PMQs and FMQs from housing stock to a National Care Service. Are party leaders placing policy 'tanks on lawns' ahead of the next General Election, and what does it tell us about the potential future 'battlefields' of politics?

What's next for the pro-independence movement after the Supreme Court ruling? Judges at the Supreme Court have ruled that the Scottish government cannot hold an independence referendum without the UK government's consent. The team discusses the implications of the ruling for the Scottish and Westminster Governments, what 'war-gaming' is happening, and how using the next general election as a 'de facto' referendum may or may not work. Is this a decisive moment for Scotland's constitutional question, and what does chess have to do with it?

Chancellor Hunt lays out tax rises and spending cuts to try to fill the budget black hole, from freezing income tax thresholds to cutting back help with energy bills. In his first Autumn Statement, the Chancellor acknowledged the UK was in a recession, and announced support for the most vulnerable, including rises in line with inflation of the state pension, benefits, and tax credits. Alongside other measures such as an expanded windfall tax on energy company profits, what does the Autumn Statement mean for Scotland, will it be effective at balancing the books while supporting those in need, or is it, as Labour have said, a "pickpocketing" of the public?

With multiple strikes announced, is the UK facing a Winter of Discontent like in 1978-79? As the Royal College of Nursing announces its first strike in its 106 year history, and with strikes also announced by the civil servant's union PCS, the EIS Scottish teaching union, and the Aslef rail union, the team is joined by former BBC industrial correspondent Nick Jones, who explains the parallels and differences between the political and economic landscape today and that of the late 70s. With more potential industrial action on the way in other healthcare, rail, and postal unions, what can the UK and Scottish Governments do to satisfy public sector pay demands as they face a budgetary black hole?

From budget cuts to "I'm A Celebrity...!", the team tackle another busy week in politics. In Holyrood, deputy First Minister John Swinney announces further spending cuts in an emergency budget review, and the SNP faced its largest rebellion in 15 years in government over Gender Recognition reform, which saw SNP minister Ash Regan resign. In Westminster, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he will now go to the COP27 climate conference in Egypt, and former health secretary Matt Hancock loses the whip as he reveals he's to enter the jungle for the TV show I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says the UK faces "difficult decisions" for economic stability. As he seeks to gain the confidence of the market, what are his Government's plans when it comes to curbing inflation, balancing the budget, and taxation as it announces the new budget will be delayed? The team are joined by financial consultant Helen Thomas, a former special advisor to shadow Chancellor George Osborne, who shares her insights into the mindset of the cabinet, the messaging around the economy, and how and why markets react the way they do to political events. Also, as Suella Braverman returns to her position as Home Secretary, having previously resigned for data breaches, the team discuss the potential political row bubbling up.

New Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hopes to unite the Conservatives under his leadership after a quick contest, but with divisions still fresh after the premiership of Liz Truss, how will he do it? As economic and cost of living pressures continue, and with the opposition parties calling for a General Election, the team reacts to the appointment of the new PM, and discuss what happens next.

Can the embattled Prime Minister Liz Truss rally the support of her party? It's been another difficult week of U-turns for the Conservatives as new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt takes an axe to Kwasi Kwarteng's previous mini-budget announcements, and the PM faces Labour Leader Keir Starmer at PMQs. What can the Prime Minister do to win back the support of both Conservative MPs and the public? Also, the Scottish Government lays out its economic plans for an independent Scotland, from borders to currency.

Martin Geissler sits down with Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross. It’s fair to say it’s been a rough campaign for the Tories, but is it all doom and gloom in the camp? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks Ross about his policies, his plans for the future, and the ups and downs of a few weeks on the campaign trail.

Part of a series of interviews with party leaders over the course of the general election campaign. To hear them all, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or tune in to the Sunday Show every Sunday from 10am on BBC One Scotland and Radio Scotland.

The Indyref Supreme Court case kicks off, and disquiet continues in the Tory party. Off the back of the SNP conference, the team take a deep dive into the first two days of the Supreme Court hearings over whether or not the Scottish government is able to legislate for a second independence referendum, and Phil Sim shares his view from inside the courtroom. Meanwhile, in Westminster, the rough start to Prime Minister Liz Truss' premiership continues, with unrest within the party and markets remaining volatile. Will she have to further U-Turn on the tax cuts laid out in the Chancellor's mini-budget, and what does that mean for her political position?

Conference season continues as PM Liz Truss this week laid out her vision for the UK. As Rajdeep returns from the Tory conference in Birmingham and Phil gears up to head to the Aberdeen based SNP conference, the team discuss the different plans for the future being shared by political parties. Did Prime Minister Truss' conference speech manage to shore up support from her MPs and calm jumpy markets, and what does the Supreme Court case about a potential second independence referendum mean for the SNP conference and the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's plans.

Financial markets remain rattled nearly a week after the Chancellor's 'mini-budget', but Prime Minister Liz Truss and Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng are sticking to their guns on their economic announcements, saying international pressures have had an impact on its reception. As the Bank of England intervenes by buying bonds, what does the current economic turmoil mean for pensions and mortgages, and what are the knock-on effects for Scotland? As Labour come off a conference high, what does this weekend's Tory conference have in store for the Prime Minister? Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde joins the team to explain some of the mechanisms behind what's happening.

The economic chips are down, and Prime Minister Truss looks set to bet on lowering tax. The Prime Minister and her Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng will lay out their plans this week in a "mini-budget", with a focus on tax cuts, but critics say it isn't enough. As the Bank of England puts up interest rates, a potential recession looms (or may have already arrived), and living standards are dropping at the fastest rate in decades, the team discuss the new Prime Minister's massive to-do list, the opposition reaction, and the start of Conference season.

The team reflect on the Queen's influence on Scotland and Scottish politics. BBC Scotland politics correspondent Kirsten Campbell and BBC News Scotland editor James Cook join to share their experience covering the news of the Queen's death, and their memories of the late monarch and her impact on the Scottish political landscape. From the formal openings of Holyrood, the tensions during the 2014 Independence Referendum, to her love for the country in which she found "a haven and a home" - what next for Scotland and it's new sovereign King Charles III?

It's the first FMQs as Holyrood returns after recess, and Podlitical is in parliament. Lucy and Phil are joined in the Scottish Parliament's Garden Lobby by political reporter Abbi Garton-Crosbie of The National and Scottish political editor Rachel Watson of The Scottish Sun to discuss the big challenges and issues facing Holyrood this year. From the multi-billion pound package to help with energy bills announced by new Prime Minister Liz Truss, the cuts facing the Scottish Government, to strikes and pay rises, what's on the agenda for this term of Parliament?

Liz Truss has won the Conservative leadership election and is set to become the new PM - so what's the first item to tackle on her agenda? Whether it's the cost of living crisis, calls for a second Scottish independence referendum, or the war in Ukraine, the new Prime Minister will be facing a very large "to-do" list. The team discuss what her plans may be going forward, from freezing energy bills to patching up relations with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon after heated words during hustings.

Prime Ministerial hopefuls Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss face Tory voters in Scotland. Lucy Whyte speaks to Phil Sim and Glenn Campbell from Perth to get an inside look at the hustings, after the two Conservative candidates sell themselves as the best person to be Prime Minister to party members. Where do they stand on Indyref2, taxation, and what to do about the cost of living crisis?

Phil Sim takes a deep dive into 'crypto' and how the technology could benefit Scotland. From giddy highs to nail-biting lows, the cryptocurrency market has seen a volatile few weeks. The sector can sometimes seem like the Wild West, with stories of lucky Bitcoin millionaires and people losing out in get-rich-quick scams. But what exactly is cryptocurrency and the blockchain, and is it being used to its full potential? Phil interviews a range of cryptocurrency experts, from journalists and podcasters, to those working on the cutting edge of research in Scotland, who explain their vision for the future of computing infrastructure and currency.

The cost of living crisis deepens as two Conservative candidates vie to be the next PM. How much will inflation and taxation play into Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak's pitches to Conservative party members to be Prime Minister? What are their plans to help out those who are struggling? BBC consumer affair correspondent Connor Gillies joins the team, and shares insights from his roadshow around Scotland which looked at how the cost of living crisis was affecting people's every day decisions, from tourism to trips to the shops.

Martin Geissler sits down with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. The polls suggest Labour are doing well just now – but of course, two weeks is a long time in politics. Can they keep up the pace they’ve set themselves? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks Sarwar about tax, just how Labour will get that growth they need to fund their pledges, immigration, and independence.

Part of a series of interviews with party leaders over the course of the general election campaign. To hear them all, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or tune in to the Sunday Show every Sunday from 10am on BBC One Scotland and Radio Scotland.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced his resignation. What happens next? Phil, Rajdeep, and Nick discuss the latest developments in the saga of Boris Johnson's resignation, from the mass quitting of his ministers, to the pressure on him from MPs. Who is in the running to be the next Prime Minister, and what impact might this have on the Scottish Government's plans for independence and the timings of the next General Election?

The team take a deep dive into the potential plans for a second independence referendum as Holyrood breaks for summer recess. What avenues do the Scottish Government and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon have for indyref2, and in which ways might these plans be scuppered? From a "gold standard" Section 30 order referendum, to a legal fight in the Supreme court, how might the next year in Scotland's constitutional battle unfold?

Is Scotland and the wider UK facing a 'summer of discontent'? BBC Scotland consumer affairs correspondent Connor Gillies joins the Podlitical team to discuss the rail strikes and the ongoing cost of living crisis. As inflation hits a 40 year high, what does this mean for budgets on both the personal and Government level, and are there any economic levers that can be pulled to tamp down the sky high costs of food, fuel, and more?