Could Reform surge in Scotland?

Could Reform surge in Scotland?

Author: The Times May 5, 2026 Duration: 35:51

This week Scottish voters will head to the polls for the Holyrood parliamentary elections. To understand what's on people's minds, we visited Motherwell - a town where, for decades, Labour used to dominate. This year Labour appear to be haemorrhaging support across Scotland and may even fall to third place. And an unlikely party is emerging from the fallout.


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guests:

  • Ross Thomson, editor, Wishaw Press
  • Richard Bolton, community development officer, Forgewood Housing Cooperative
  • Paul Murphy, corporate services office, Forgewood Housing Cooperative
  • Justin Parkes, industrial history curator, North Lanarkshire Council Museums

Host: Manveen Rana.

Producers: Taryn Siegel

We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com


Further listening: Is Labour facing a bloodbath in Wales?

Photo: Getty Images.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
Why everyone is watching women’s rugby (and you should too) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:33
As England’s Red Roses head into the World Cup final tomorrow, it might be the largest audience that women’s rugby has ever seen. With its TikTok superstars and crocheting players, it’s creating new fans and connecting w…
Russia’s next invasion could come via the ballot box [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:32
A geopolitical battle between Russia and the EU will unfold this Sunday as Moldovans vote in a pivotal parliamentary election. The result could steer the country closer to the EU, or back towards Moscow. With Russia accu…
Has America turned its back on science? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:23
President Trump has publicly linked the use of Tylenol, or paracetamol, during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism, despite experts saying the connection is unproven. The extraordinary announcement came after months…
Is the UN useless? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:02
The UK, Australia and Canada have formally recognised Palestine as a state ahead of high level meetings at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly this week. But as the votes and debates continue, little seems to cha…
Robert Redford: Hollywood's Golden Boy - The Sunday Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:21
With his looks, charisma and string of hits, Robert Redford, who died this week, was the face of Hollywood cinema in the 1970's. But he was so much more than a pretty face, and quickly moved into directing and producing…
State banquets and street protests: Trump in the UK [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:34
The US President's state visit to the UK is marked by royal pageantry, political tension, and public protest. But what could the UK gain from it? And what are the potential pitfalls lurking for Keir Starmer?This podcast…
INVESTIGATION: The 9/11 suspect - part 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:13
In the years since Omar al-Bayoumi was released by British police, new evidence has come to light which was not shared with the officers carrying out his interrogation. Today, he stands accused of being a Saudi agent who…