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.


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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.


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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.
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